Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras is one of the most distinctively shaped trees in eastern North America, with three different leaf forms on the same branch. oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed. all turning brilliant orange, red, and yellow in October. Scratch a twig and catch the scent: root beer and citrus, warm and clean. The whole tree smells like this when it comes out of the ground. Spring brings small yellow flowers before the leaves unfurl, drawing early-season pollinators. Summer gives you dense shade and textured canopy. Birds flock to the dark blue berries in late summer. Sassafras also spreads by root suckers, which makes it ideal for naturalizing or stabilizing slopes. and a nuisance if you need a tidy edge. Know where you're putting it, and enjoy everything else about it.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown sassafras propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 20'–40'
- Bloom
- Early yellow flowers, three-lobed summer foliage, brilliant red-orange fall color, aromatic bark year-round.
- USDA zones
- 4-9
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside sassafras.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.