Sassifras albidum – Common Sassafras(B&B..BW.DR.DRGHT.FC.H.M.MTH.NB.OP)

$25.00

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies
(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant
(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant
(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen
(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant
(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant
(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals
(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar
(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material
(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant
(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Common sassafras is an aromatic deciduous flowering tree. In early to mid-spring, small, bright yellow-green flower clusters are borne in 2-inch stalks on separate male and female trees. Female trees produce a blue, fleshy drupe that is borne in a red cup attached to a red stalk. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow to orange to red.

This tree prefers well-drained sandy, acidic soils but will adapt to other soils if well-drained. It will grow in sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant once established. A large taproot makes the transplanting of established trees difficult. It tends to want to sucker repeatedly and will spread to form thickets. If a single-trunk tree is desired, these suckers will need to be removed. Sassafras can be pruned and kept at shrub size by cutting them to the ground every 2-3 years. This tree also needs to be protected from extreme winter weather.

Host plant for Imperial Moth, Spicebush Swallowtail.

 

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Size

Trade Gallons, Two Gallons, Three Gallons

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