A small North American native tree with spicy aromatic leaves and wood. Rare in cultivation. Shrubby when young, as plant matures it will take on a strongly upright tree form, and send out runners which mature into a grove of clone plants, growing 30-40 ft. Variable aromatic leaves often mitten shaped with three-lobes. Beautiful mixed yellow, orange and red foliage in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers are yellow-green. If pollinated by insects, small, shiny, navy-blue fruit will appear. Sassafras trees are a larval host for many North American butterflies such as the Spicebush, Pale and Tiger Swallowtail. Roots and bark are pursued for culinary uses in root beer or tea and spices for gumbo and other Louisiana Creole cuisine. However, the use of Safrole commercially has since been banned by the FDA after studies showing health risks when taken in large dosages.
ZONE: 4-9
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Prefers moist, acidic, loamy soils. Tolerates dry, sandy soils, but will tolerate heavy clay. Has aggressive tap root. If aggressive runners are not managed, will become a clonal grove.
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Above average. Leaves may develop chlorosis in alkaline soils.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 40' x 30'.
