Sassafras

Sassafras Tree 

Sassafras trees, Sassafras albidum, are medium- to fast-growing and do well in mass plantings. Because of the plant’s deep taproot, it can be propagated more easily from small saplings than from seeds. Once established, sassafras trees require very little care as long as excessive moisture is drained away from the soil.

Where to Plant

 The sassafras plant is native to North America. As a deciduous plant, it loses its mitten-shaped leaves in autumn and thrives in the temperate climate of Zones 4 through 9. They require at least six hours of full or partial sun per day, so they must be planted in either full sun or partial shade. Spring is the best time of year to plant. 

 Sassafras prefers acidic soil to alkaline soil.

It will moderately tolerate alkaline soil and salt spray. The soil must be well-drained and moist since sassafras trees are intolerant of poor drainage conditions. Sassafras trees are more tolerant of drought conditions than of excessive watering. Many property owners love the look of a sassafras tree because the leaves turn bright yellow, orange and red colors in autumn. Sassafras trees grow to 15'-40' in height at maturity. They have a soft citrus-like fragrance that is most noticeable when the leaves are crushed. Leaves and roots of the sassafras tree are edible, with the roots sometimes being used as a salad ingredient. Sassafras trees may attract small mammal species, birds, butterflies and occasionally deer. 

 Sassafras trees are medium- to fast-growing and do well in mass plantings. Because of the plant’s deep taproot, it can be propagated more easily from small saplings than from seeds. Once established, sassafras trees require very little care as long as excessive moisture is drained away from the soil.

Sassafras albidum or the sassafras tree is a member of the laurel tree family. Female and male sassafras trees both bear small clusters of yellow flowers that bloom from April to May. The female tree also bears the fruit, which appears as small, dark blueberries that ripen in the autumn. 

Sassafras Trees for sale online at Perennial Nursery.

The Sassafras trees are shipped bare root, during dormancy.