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sassafras

sassafras

Sassafras albidum

tree☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 4aZone 9b

A native deciduous tree prized for its aromatic leaves, twigs, and roots that smell of anise when crushed, and its brilliant fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Small greenish-yellow flowers bloom in spring, followed by dark blue berries attractive to birds.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
30–75′ tall × 25–40′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

high
Zone 4aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 4a to Zone 9b

pH Range

4.57.3
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 4.5 to 7.3

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringFall

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Function & Care

wildlife benefitmedicinaldynamic accumulatoredible
Coppicing

Edible Parts

leafrootbark

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, root cutting, sucker