NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras, White Sassafras, Ague Tree, Sassy Tree
Scientific Name: |
Sassafras albidum |
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Genus: |
Sassafras |
Species Epithet: |
albidum |
Common Name: |
Sassafras, White Sassafras, Ague Tree, Sassy Tree |
Plant Type |
Tree/Shrub |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Plant Family |
Lauraceae (Laurel Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Size: |
12-36 ft. |
Bloom Color(s): |
Yellow, Green, Brown |
Light: |
Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Moist |
Bloom Time: |
March, April, May, June, July |
Growing Area: |
Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain |
Habitat Description: |
A wide variety of forests, old fields, disturbed areas, fencerows. Common throughout NC. |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Alternate |
Leaf Retention: |
Deciduous |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Simple |
Life Cycle: |
Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
Important for Wildlife |
Landscape Value: |
Highly Recommended and Available |
Notes: |
Sassafras, White Sassafras, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood, Mitten Tree, Saloop, Smelling Stick |
Leaves Sassafras is easily recognized by having variously lobed leaves on one tree. The twigs have a spicy smell. Dried, they were traditionally used to thicken gumbo. The roots were made into tea and the oil was used as a flavoring and to scent soap. |
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Flowers Mary Vigueras, April 2012 |
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Emerging leaves Mary Vigueras |
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Bark |
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Female trees produce small dark blue, fleshy drupes borne in a scarlet cup attached to a scarlet stalk Orange County, NC Bettina Darveaux |
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Leaves turn a beautiful array of colors in the Fall Orange County, NC Bettina Darveaux |
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Links: |
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