Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Sassafras is a deciduous tree that is native to eastern and central USA and is found in all areas of NC except the higher mountains. It can be found in woodlands, fields, and along roadsides and has adapted to various acidic soils. All parts of the tree are aromatic. In early to mid-spring, small, bright yellow-green flower clusters are born in 2-inch stalks on separate male and female trees. Female trees produce a blue, fleshy drupe that is borne in a red cup attached to a red stalk. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow to orange to red in color.

A large taproot makes the transplanting of established trees difficult. It tends to want to sucker repeatedly and will spread to form thickets. If a single trunk tree is desired, these suckers will need to be removed. This tree prefers well-drained sandy acidic soils but will adapt to other soils if well-drained. It will grow in sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant once established.

Use this tree as a shade tree, street tree, or specimen. Allow it to spread by suckers for screening.

Sassafras can be pruned and kept at shrub size by cutting them to the ground every 2-3 years.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  The leaves may turn yellow while veins remain green (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. The trees can develop a variety of insect and disease problems that are generally not serious. It is susceptible to laurel wilt.  It may experience root rot if grown in wet, clay soils.