Sassafras albidum

Common Name
Sassafras
Plant Form
Medium Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
60.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain

Photographer: Ashley M Bradford
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: moist, well drained soils of open woodlands; sea-level to ~4430 feet

Wildlife value: Fruits are eaten by eastern bluebirds, red-eyed vireos, quail, wild turkeys, kingbirds, crested flycatchers, mockingbirds, sapsuckers, pileated woodpeckers, yellowthroat warblers and phoebes, black bears, beaver, rabbits, squirrels, some eat bark and wood, white-tailed deer browse twigs and foliage. This plant supports Imperial Moth and Spicebush Swallowtail larvae. Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies feed on nectar from jewelweed, thistles, milkweed, azalea, dogbane, lantana, mimosa, and sweet pepperbush

Notes: Beautiful fall color. Unusual leaf shape. Although Sassafras grows most quickly in fertile soil, it is an appropriate tree to introduce into disturbed sites. Remove suckers to maintain as a single tree, or allow it to colonize to form a screen.

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
March
April
May
Fall Color
Burgandy/Red
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Shallow rocky