Sassafras  (Sassafras albidum)


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At a glance

Names

Latin (scientific) name: Sassafras albidum 

Common English name: Sassafras

Other names: N/A

French name: Sassafras officinal

Type

deciduous tree icon

Deciduous

Plant Hardiness Zone

5a, 5b

Status

species native to Canada

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

deciduous tree icon

Bark

deciduous tree icon

Young bark corky and rough, deeply grooved when mature.

Leaf

Alternate, simple rounded leaves, some oval, others one or 2 rounded finger shapes.

Bud

deciduous tree icon

Fruit

deciduous tree icon

Small black berries in clusters, with red stalks pointing upwards.

Other

deciduous tree icon

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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