Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Also listed as Laurus sassafras, Sassafras officinale
Also known as Mitten Tree, Mittenleaf, Cinnamon Wood
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sassafras grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
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.
Why grow it
Sassafras offers multi-season interest uncommon in a single native deciduous tree, combining spring flowers, summer shade, fall color, and winter branching structure. Its aromatic foliage and roots have traditional uses in teas and flavoring, though regulatory restrictions apply to safrole-containing products. The tree supports wildlife through its berries and serves as a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies, making it valuable in native plant landscapes across eastern North America.
Watch out for
Sassafras spreads vigorously by root suckering, particularly in disturbed soil, which can require management in smaller garden spaces. The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soils and may struggle or yellow in heavy clay or alkaline conditions. Young trees are relatively short-lived compared to other native hardwoods, typically declining after 40-50 years, so replacement planning suits long-term landscape design.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sassafras grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sassafras offers multi-season interest uncommon in a single native deciduous tree, combining spring flowers, summer shade, fall color, and winter branching structure. Its aromatic foliage and roots have traditional uses in teas and flavoring, though regulatory restrictions apply to safrole-containing products. The tree supports wildlife through its berries and serves as a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies, making it valuable in native plant landscapes across eastern North America.
Watch out for
Sassafras spreads vigorously by root suckering, particularly in disturbed soil, which can require management in smaller garden spaces. The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soils and may struggle or yellow in heavy clay or alkaline conditions. Young trees are relatively short-lived compared to other native hardwoods, typically declining after 40-50 years, so replacement planning suits long-term landscape design.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.