Sassafras Tree

Sassafras is a native deciduous tree with aromatic foliage, distinctive leaves that may be unlobed, mitten-shaped, or three-lobed, and vivid autumn color. The captured name Sassafras variifolium is an older synonym; current botanical references accept the species as Sassafras albidum. [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/sasalb) lists S. variifolium among its synonyms. ## Form and seasonal features Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring before the leaves. Female trees produce blue-black drupes in red cups, and the leaves turn yellow, orange, or red in fall. The North Carolina Extension profile gives typical mature dimensions of 30–60 feet tall and 25–40 feet wide, while site conditions influence final size. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sassafras-albidum/) ## Siting Plant in full sun or part shade and in soil that drains well; sandy, acidic soils are preferred, though the tree adapts to other well-drained soils. Sassafras works as a specimen or shade tree and can form a screen or naturalized thicket as suckers spread. Its fruits feed birds and small mammals, and its foliage supports butterfly and moth larvae. ## Maintenance Water new plantings until established; established trees tolerate drought. Remove suckers if a single trunk is desired, or allow them to colonize a naturalized area. Keep the site well drained and protect the roots from prolonged wet conditions.