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Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

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Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Forbs & Flowers

Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Shade

Wet

Dry

Land Use

Obligate Wetland Plant almost always occurs in wetlands.

Facultative Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Facultative Plant occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Obligate Upland Plant almost always occurs in non-wetlands.

The aromatic sassafras is a deciduous tree with horizontal branching in cloud-like tiers. Sassafras can sucker into a small grove, but is easily controlled as a single tree. Large taproot makes transplanting of established trees difficult. If root suckers are not removed, tree will spread and begin to take on the appearance of a large multi- stemmed shrub. It is an appropriate tree to introduce into disturbed sites with infertile soil. Fall foliage is yellow, purple and red. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Food source for caterpillars.

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Details

Plant Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Conditions

Sun

Dry

Native to Kentucky?

Native to Kentucky

Land Use

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in non-wetlands but may occur in wetlands.

Project Uses

Riparian Restoration

Upland Restoration

Urban / Tree Box

Tendency to Spread

High

Height (ft)

30-60

Tree Size Class

B: 25'-50' at maturity

Flower Color

Yellow

Fall Showy?

Yes

Flowering Time

April-May

Root Depth (ft)

1.5

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate Tolerance

Growth Rate

Moderate