Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Tree Coming Soon
Sassafras is a Virginia native local-ecotype tree that typically reaches 30–60 ft and blooms in mid spring and late spring with yellow-green flowers. It offers valuable nectar and pollen, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil Moisture
- Dry, Dry to Medium, Medium
- Height
- 30–60 ft
- Spread
- 25–40 ft
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring, Mid Spring
- Bloom Color
- Yellow-green
- Garden Goals
- Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Butterfly host tree; woodland edge; wildlife habitat; small grove
- Wildlife Value
- Host for Spicebush Swallowtail and Promethea moth
Sassafras grows best in full sun or part shade with dry, dry to medium, or medium soil. At maturity, it is typically 30–60 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Host for Spicebush Swallowtail and Promethea moth. It is well suited to Butterfly host tree, woodland edge, wildlife habitat, small grove.
Good to know: Aromatic leaves; may form colonies.