At a glance
Names
Latin (scientific) name: Sassafras albidum
Common English name: Sassafras
Other names: N/A
French name: Sassafras officinal
Type
Deciduous
Plant Hardiness Zone
5a, 5b
Status
Native
Size at Maturity
3-15m
Life Expectancy
Where it grows
Plant Hardiness Zone
5a, 5b
Habitat
Grows on road sides and disturbed sites. Can be invasive
Preferred Soil Type
Very tolerant of a variety of soils.
Distribution Across Canada
Southern Ontario
What it looks like
At Maturity
Bark
Young bark corky and rough, deeply grooved when mature.
Leaf
Alternate, simple rounded leaves, some oval, others one or 2 rounded finger shapes.
Bud
Fruit
Small black berries in clusters, with red stalks pointing upwards.
Other
Part of the laurel family, has a spicy odour when bruised.
What affects it
Pests
Very hardy.
Common diseases
Values and Uses
Edible fruit/nut tree?
Yes
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