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Sassafras albidum

sassafras

An upright tree with fissured bark, which spreads by suckers. The attractive, three-lobed, aromatic foliage is light, glossy green and turns to shades of bright red, yellow and orange in the autumn. Sprays of small, green to yellow flowers open with the leaves and may be followed, on female trees, by red-stalked, dark blue berries

Other common names
ague tree
sassafras tree
see morewhite sassafras
Synonyms
Sassafras officinale var. albidum
Sassafras variifolium
see moreSassafras officinale
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green
Summer Green Blue
Autumn Red Orange Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lauraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Suckering
Genus

Sassafras are deciduous trees with deeply fissured bark and glossy aromatic leaves which colour well in autumn. The inconspicuous male and female flowers are carried on separate trees and females can produce showy fruit

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Not always an easy tree to please. Likes woodland conditions - deep, moist but well-drained, preferably acid soil in sun or dappled shade. Mature trees are hardy but young trees can suffer frost damage

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; take root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Remove suckers unless a thicket is required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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