Sassafras Sassafras albidum
ABOUT
Sassafras albidum, commonly known as sassafras, is a deciduous tree notable for its distinctive leaf shapes and aromatic properties. The leaves are unique in that they can have one, two, or three lobes sometimes on the same branch. These varying leaf forms are often a mix of mitten-like shapes, with some leaves appearing as simple ovals. In the fall, the foliage delivers a striking display, turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The bark of the sassafras is furrowed and cinnamon-brown, which can also be aromatic when crushed. The younger branches tend to be a greenish color, smooth to the touch. As the tree matures, the bark becomes more deeply ridged and takes on a more rugged appearance. Sassafras flowers in the early spring, with small, yellow-green blooms that cluster at the branch tips. These flowers are generally not very showy and are followed by small, dark blue fruits on red stalks, which are enjoyed by a variety of wildlife. The root system is deep and extensive, which makes the sassafras an important tree for controlling soil erosion. The roots, along with other parts of the tree, are famously used to make sassafras tea and were once used to flavor root beer before being banned in foods due to health concerns.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lauraceae
Synonyms
Sassafras, White Sassafras, Red Sassafras, Silky Sassafras, Cinnamon Wood
Common names
Sassafras officinale Nees & Eberm., Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst., Sassafras variifolium (Salisb.) Kuntze, Laurus sassafras L., Laurus albidus (Nutt.) All.
ToxicityTo humans
Sassafras, which refers to the Sassafras albidum species, has parts that are considered toxic to humans due to the presence of safrole in the plant's essential oils, particularly in the bark and roots. Safrole is a substance associated with liver cancer and was once used to flavor root beer and other confections before being banned by the FDA for use in food. Some people still use sassafras root or tea made from the root bark for medicinal purposes, but this is not recommended due to its carcinogenic properties. The consumption of high doses of sassafras or safrole can lead to vomiting, hallucinations, and organ damage. As sassafras was traditionally used in small amounts for culinary and medicinal purposes, reports of poisoning in humans are relatively rare, but it is prudent to avoid consuming sassafras products due to the potential risk of liver damage and cancer.
To pets
Sassafras, known as Sassafras albidum, contains safrole, which is toxic to pets as well as humans. Ingesting parts of the sassafras plant, especially the bark and roots where the highest concentrations of safrole are found, can be harmful to dogs and cats. Symptoms of sassafras poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, and lethargy. In more severe cases, it could potentially lead to liver damage. As pets usually vary in their sensitivity to plant toxins compared to humans, pet owners should prevent their animals from having access to the sassafras plant, and consult a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
30-60 feet (9-18 meters)
Spread
25-40 feet (7.6-12 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Eastern North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aromatic Qualities: Sassafras albidum is known for its pleasant fragrance, which comes from its leaves, bark, and roots, often used to scent soaps and candles.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves, when dried and ground, produce filé powder, an essential ingredient in Creole and Cajun cuisine, particularly in gumbo.
- Wildlife Support: The Sassafras tree provides food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and mammals, which feed on its fruits.
- Insect Repellent: Historically, the Sassafras plant has been used as a natural insect repellent, its strong scent and oils deterring pests.
- Landscape Value: With its distinctive mitten-shaped leaves and vibrant fall color, the Sassafras tree is often planted for ornamental purposes in landscaping.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Sassafras has traditionally been used to promote urination.
- Diaphoretic: It was used to induce sweating in fevers and colds.
- Stimulant: Sassafras was thought to stimulate the body and increase vitality.
- Carminative: Some cultures used it to relieve gas and bloating.
- Anodyne: It was believed to relieve pain, particularly dental pain.
- Alterative: Historically, it was used as a blood purifier and to treat skin diseases.
- Antiseptic: The oil from sassafras has been used as a topical antiseptic.
- Aromatic: The root bark has been used to flavor medicines and aid in digestion.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sassafras wood was historically used in boat building due to its resistance to rot and its strength.
- The roots and bark of sassafras can be used as a natural dye, producing colors ranging from orange to brown.
- The aromatic properties of sassafras make it useful as a natural insect repellent when leaves are crushed and spread in outdoor areas.
- Wood from sassafras trees is valued for use in small woodworking projects like carving because it is relatively easy to work with.
- Sassafras leaves, especially in their dried and ground form known as filé powder, are used in Creole and Cajun cooking, most famously in gumbo.
- Due to its pleasant smell, sassafras oil was traditionally used in soaps and perfumes before regulatory changes limited its use.
- The fibers from sassafras bark were sometimes used by Native Americans to create rope.
- In the past, sassafras twigs were often used as a natural toothbrush due to their antiseptic qualities.
- Sassafras leaves can be mulched and used in gardening to help retain soil moisture and add a pleasant aroma to garden areas.
- The wood of sassafras is sometimes used in the construction of musical instruments for its tonal qualities, particularly in Appalachia.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sassafras is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sassafras is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Variety and Diversity: Sassafras trees have leaves with several different shapes, ranging from unlobed to mitten-shaped and three-lobed leaves. This has made it a symbol of variety and diversity, representing a multitude of forms and ideas.
- Healing and Medicine: Historically, sassafras has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and later by European settlers. This has contributed to its symbolic connection with healing, health, and wellness.
- Foundation and Pioneering: The aromatic properties and uses of the sassafras in a variety of applications, like culinary and industry (such as the scent of soap), symbolize a foundation for innovation. Early settlers in America used sassafras as a commodity for trade and export, signifying pioneering and resourcefulness.
WaterSassafras trees, commonly known as sassafras, require consistent moisture but do not tolerate standing water. They should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods, receiving about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which translates to approximately 5 to 10 gallons depending on the size and maturity of the tree. Adjustments in the watering schedule should be made during rainy spells to prevent overwatering. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water may be increased slightly, while in dormant winter months, watering should be reduced.
LightSassafras trees prefer full sun to partial shade. The best spot for a sassafras tree is an area where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adaptable to different light conditions, the tree will also thrive in partially shaded areas, but too much shade can reduce foliage density and affect its vibrant fall coloration.
TemperatureSassafras trees thrive in a wide range of temperatures, typically between 60°F to 80°F, and are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -30°F in winter and have been known to survive maximum summer temperatures of over 100°F. Ideal growth occurs when the daytime temperatures are consistently within the 70 to 80-degree range.
PruningSassafras trees should be pruned to maintain shape and remove damaged or diseased limbs. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any suckers at the tree's base or crisscrossing branches to improve air circulation. Pruning every 2 to 3 years is typically sufficient for healthy growth and form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSassafras albidum, commonly known as sassafras, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, sand, and a bit of clay, complemented with organic matter such as compost, is ideal for ensuring healthy growth.
RepottingSassafras, or sassafras, being a large tree, isn't typically repotted as it grows best outdoors. Once planted in the ground, it does not require repotting but may need transplanting as seedlings if initially grown in containers.
Humidity & MistingSassafras prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite tolerant and adapts well to the ambient humidity of its outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow sassafras in a large pot with ample light.
Outdoor
Plant sassafras in sunny to partially shaded spot, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSassafras, or Sassafras albidum, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring to early summer under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling stage follows, marked by rapid root and shoot growth; during this vulnerable phase, the plant requires adequate light and water to establish itself. As the plant matures into a sapling, it develops a distinctive deep taproot and the beginnings of its characteristic mitten-shaped leaves. In its adult phase, which can be many years after germination, the tree blooms in early spring, producing small, yellow-green flowers, and later develops dark blue fruit on red stalks by late summer, which are consumed and dispersed by birds and mammals. The sassafras tree achieves full maturity at around 30 years of age, when it reaches its full size and can produce a prolific number of seeds; it has a potential lifespan of several hundred years. Throughout its life cycle, the sassafras may undergo vegetative reproduction through root suckers, contributing to the spread and perpetuation of the species within its environment.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Sassafras trees is through seed. The best time to collect seeds is in the autumn when they turn a dark blue and are fully ripe. Clean the seeds by removing the flesh since it contains chemicals that inhibit germination. After cleaning, the seeds should be mixed with moist sand and stratified in a refrigerator at about 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) for 90 to 120 days to break dormancy. Following stratification, seeds are sown in nursery beds or pots in the spring, barely covered with soil. Seedlings usually appear within a month and can be grown on in their containers for a season before being transplanted to their permanent locations in the fall.
