sassafras

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

30-60 ft. tall
25-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require cold moist stratification. Dig out an divide suckers or root divisions in early spring before leaf out.

Plant Planting Notes

The long taproot makes transplanting difficult.

Plants/Diseases

Trees can develop a number of disease or insect issues, but are generally not serious.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to ovate with entire or lobed margins. Highly variable in shape.

Flowers

Greenish yellow, fragrant flowers with 4-5 petals.

Fruit

Drupe.

Bark

Gray/brown with deep ridges when mature.

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested in large quantities.

Ethnobotanical Use

Roots and bark have been used to produce oil for perfumes and soaps.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forests, disturbed areas such as old fields and fencerows.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.