Sassafras — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Sassafras albidum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 60–120 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 4.4–12.8 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–1095 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 609.6–1524 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Transplant root suckers or plant container specimens in well-drained, slightly acidic, dry to average soil in full sun to partial shade; sassafras is a native eastern North American deciduous tree distinguished from all other trees by its uniquely variable leaf shape — individual trees simultaneously bear three distinct leaf shapes: simple oval leaves, mitten-shaped leaves with one lobe, and three-lobed leaves — all on the same tree, all with the same distinctive, pleasantly spicy-aromatic, root-beer fragrance when crushed. In spring, small clusters of yellow flowers appear before the leaves. The autumn foliage is among the most brilliantly colored of any native tree — turning orange, red, purple, and scarlet in a spectacular multi-color display. Dark-blue, olive-like fruits on red stalks feed many songbirds in fall. Sassafras was historically important in American commerce — root bark was the original source of sassafras oil and the primary ingredient of traditional root beer and filé powder (an essential Creole seasoning) — though safrole, the active compound, is now restricted as a food additive. Spreads by root suckers to form groves. An excellent native tree for dry, sandy, difficult sites where many trees fail.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · sassafras-albidum
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0