Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Tree20×12 mzone 4–9light shade

Profile

Family: Lauraceae
Habit: Tree
Height: 20 m
Spread: 12 m
Growth: medium
Lifespan: 100 years
First yield: after 10 years
Hardiness: zone 4–9
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt
Soil moisture: dry – very moist
pH: 5 – 7

scented

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Leaf harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible3 of 10

Medicinal5 of 10

Other uses5 of 10

Growing

Aromatic woodland-edge tree for fresh, well-drained, rather acidic soil in sun to partial shade. Root and bark contain carcinogenic safrole; only the leaves are safe to use as a seasoning.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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