Sassafras

Sassafras is an aromatic deciduous tree native to eastern North America, famous for bearing three distinct leaf shapes—unlobed oval, two-lobed 'mitten,' and three-lobed—often on the same branch.

Every part of the tree is fragrant when crushed, with a sweet, spicy citrus scent. In autumn the foliage turns spectacular shades of yellow, orange, scarlet and purple.

It frequently spreads by root suckers to form thickets and is valued in naturalistic and native plantings.

• Leaves: alternate, aromatic, in three shapes on one tree—entire (oval), two-lobed (mitten), and three-lobed; brilliant multicolored fall color
• Twigs/bark: bright green young twigs; aromatic when scratched; mature bark deeply furrowed and reddish-brown
• Flowers: small yellow-green clusters in early spring (dioecious—male and female on separate trees)
• Fruit: dark blue oval drupes on bright red stalks on female trees
• Size: typically 30-60 ft tall; often forms colonies of suckers

• Light: full sun to partial shade
• Water: moderate; prefers well-drained soil, fairly drought tolerant once established
• Soil: tolerates poor, sandy or acidic soils; dislikes wet, heavy clay
• Temperature: hardy in USDA zones 4-9
• Feeding: rarely needed
• Propagation: difficult from seed (needs stratification); commonly spreads by root suckers, which can be dug and transplanted

Native to eastern North America, from southern Maine and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas.

A classic pioneer species, it colonizes old fields, fencerows, woodland edges and disturbed clearings, often forming thickets. It is less common in cultivation due to its deep taproot, which makes transplanting difficult, but it is valued in naturalistic and native plantings.