| Sassafras albidum is a medium to large tree. It has an irregular growth habit, many short, thick branches, forming an oblong and flattish crown. It sprouts from roots and can develop into thickets. The bark is dark mahogany red, heavily furrowed, beautiful, used in traditional medicinal teas and root beer drinks. Summer foliage is medium green, fall color is outstanding; shades of yellow, deep orange, crimson and dark red. Flowers are mildly fragrant, yellow, borne on short racemes, quite distinctive. Fruit is a small dark blue drupe, devoured by birds in mid fall.
It is a pioneer species in its native range, often colonizes abandoned fields, and forms dense thickets, eventually giving way to other species. It is an excellent plant to naturalize, for roadsides, and hedgerows and residential landscaping. Native from Maine to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas. |
