Sassafras albidum thrives in full sun to partial sun, meaning it enjoys at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Ensuring the plant receives this amount of light will help it achieve optimal growth and health. Providing a garden space with this sun exposure or carefully placing it in a bright location will facilitate its natural processes effectively.

Common sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Also known as: Red sassafras

The common sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) is frequently found along woodland edges, fields, roadsides, and fence rows in the eastern United States. Traditionally, Native Americans utilized various parts of the tree for medicinal and culinary purposes. The tree's roots were notably used to flavor homemade root beer, although this practice has diminished due to concerns about safrole, a compound in the plant that has been identified as potentially carcinogenic. The leaves were also used to make filé powder, an important ingredient in Creole cooking.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common sassafras

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 20 m

Spread

8 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Red Orange

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Common sassafras

Quickly Identify Common sassafras

Distinctive bark texture with deep furrows and corky ridges, rich red-brown color, and aromatic qualities.

Wide range of leaf shapes including oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed, with showy autumn colors.

Fragrant yellowish-green flowers with symmetrical tepals, small size (1/4 inch or 0.6 cm wide).

Medium-sized tree with pyramidal shape, ornamental deciduous nature, and vivid fruit display in scarlet cups.

Smooth, round stem varying in color, gray lenticels, aromatic scent, and greenish buds (1/4 inch or 0.6 cm).

Scientific Classification of Common sassafras

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Laurales

Family

Laurel

Genus

Sassafras

Species

Common sassafras

Planting and Growing of Common sassafras

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Common sassafras?

Sassafras albidum prefers moderate moisture levels, so aim to provide approximately 500 milliliters of water per session. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common sassafras?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Sassafras albidum prefers at least 6-8 hours of sun exposure daily, which helps maintain its vibrant green foliage and supports healthy root development. Ideal light intensifies its photosynthetic capacity and ensures sturdy growth, maintaining its natural beauty and health.

Ideal Light Exposure ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common sassafras?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 80℉

Sassafras albidum grows ideally between 60 and 80°F. This temperature range allows for optimal physiological processes, promoting strong growth and vibrant foliage. Outside this range, growth may slow down, and stress symptoms could manifest.

What Soil is Best for Common sassafras?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Sassafras albidum thrives best in well-drained soils, which allow water to move freely, preventing root rot and promoting oxygen availability which facilitates healthy root growth. A nutrient-rich soil supports the robust growth characteristic of Sassafras albidum as it provides essential minerals and nutrients necessary for photosynthesis and overall plant vitality. Incorporating moderate organic matter into the soil helps improve its texture and fertility, creating an ideal environment that supports microbial activity and enhances nutrient availability to Sassafras albidum.

How to Fertilize Common sassafras?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Sassafras albidum, applying the right amount of fertilizer is crucial. You should aim to use approximately 2 ounces of granular, slow-release fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter. Ensure the fertilizer is evenly distributed in the soil around the tree's drip line to promote balanced nutrient uptake.

How to Prune Common sassafras?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by cutting away any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. These should be pruned back to the nearest healthy branch or trunk. Trim branches to maintain a desired shape, ensuring to retain the natural look of the tree. Cut above leaf buds facing outward to encourage open growth. Thin out crowded areas by removing some branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. This helps promote healthy leaf and branch development. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Common sassafras plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late winter

Gather seeds from mature Sassafras albidum fruits in autumn. Clean them thoroughly, removing pulp and debris, and store them in a cool, dry place until ready for sowing in early spring.

Select healthy, robust branches from the Sassafras albidum during early spring. Use sharp pruning shears to cut 4-6 inch sections, ensuring each cutting has an intact node for successful rooting.

In late winter or early spring, dig around the base of the Sassafras albidum to expose roots. Cut sections of rootstock, approximately 3-4 inches long, to use for root cutting propagation.

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How to Repot Common sassafras plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Sassafras albidum usually signals the need for repotting when its roots begin to circle the edge of the pot or emerge from the drainage holes. Typically, this is necessary every two to three years, during their active growing period in spring or early summer when the plant can quickly adjust to new soil conditions.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. A pot with good depth allows for root expansion, preventing the plant from becoming root-bound. Choosing the right size ensures efficient drainage and reduces the risk of waterlogged soil, which is essential for healthy root development.

Opt for a well-draining, loamy soil mix that can retain moisture while allowing excess water to flow freely. Such soil enhances aeration around the roots, minimizes compaction, and provides a stable nutritional environment for Sassafras albidum, promoting robust growth and a vibrant root system.

Toxicity of Common sassafras

Is Common sassafras toxic to humans?

The hazardous characteristics found in common sassafras can trigger adverse reactions in humans upon contact with or ingestion of the oil. These reactions may be serious and could potentially result in organ damage or lead to cancer. The oil, derived from the root, possesses a particularly high level of toxicity, even in minimal doses, due to the presence of safrole. Contact with this oil may result in skin rashes, whereas ingestion can provoke sweating, elevated blood pressure, hallucinations, and vomiting. Individuals may be tempted to utilize the oil for medicinal purposes without fully understanding its toxic attributes.

Is Common sassafras toxic to cat?

The common sassafras is a plant species known to be toxic to cats. When felines consume the plant, particularly its bark, they face significant risks. This exposure typically happens when cats accidentally eat the bark, which can result in serious health complications. Cat owners must remain alert for any signs of distress or illness, as these could signal potential poisoning. Prompt veterinary attention is essential to address the health hazards linked to the ingestion of common sassafras, as swift treatment plays a critical role in the recovery of the affected cat.

Is Common sassafras toxic to dog?

The common sassafras plant is known to be toxic to dogs. If a dog consumes any part of this plant, especially the bark, it may result in poisoning. Pet owners must be alert since dogs could unintentionally ingest portions of common sassafras, leading to a range of symptoms that indicate toxicity. Although the exact toxic compounds are not specified, it is essential for pet guardians to be aware of indicators of distress in their pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or alterations in behavior that may imply poisoning due to common sassafras. If a dog shows any of these symptoms after exposure to common sassafras, it is crucial to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to ensure the animal's well-being.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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