Description

General aspect and origins - Sassafras albidum is a decidious tree which is native to the East of the USA. It can reach up to 60 ft (20 m) tall in its native area, but is often smaller in culture. It is appreciated for its ornamental autumn foliage and for its coarsely ridged bark.
Leaves - Sassafras albidum has decidious leaves with highly variable shapes. Some are entire, some are 2 or 3-lobed. They are alternate, oval and are very ornamental in fall, when they turn orange to bright-red. The variety Sassafras albidum var. molle has slightly pubescent leaves.
Flowers - This tree has dioecious inflorescences that appear in mid-spring. Flowers are yellow-green, slightly scented and grouped in clusters of 5 to 7 flowers. The tree seldom flowers until it is about 10 years old.
Fruits - The fruit is a inedible black drupe that is about .5 in (1+ cm) long and that is borne by a red petiole.

Culture

This tree is very cold-hardy and can be grown in USDA zones 4 and warmer. It is thus an ornamental tree which is well-worth growing in temperate areas.
Soil - This tree requires light soils and slightly acidic soils, that remain slightly moist in summer.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or air-layers.