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.