ExplorePlants

sassafras

Sassafras albidum

The sassafras tree is a special tree with unique leaves that can be shaped like mittens! It has a lovely smell, especially when you crush its leaves or bark.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The sassafras has uniquely shaped leaves, often appearing as mittens, three-lobed 'ghosts,' or unlobed ovals, sometimes all on the same tree! Its bark is deeply furrowed and reddish-brown, while its small, yellow-green flowers bloom in spring before the leaves emerge.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLauralesFamilyLauraceaeGenusSassafras
sassafras
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
sassafras

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Before modern plastics, its durable wood was often used to build fence posts and even small boats!

Many birds love to feast on its shiny, dark blue berries, helping the tree spread its seeds!

Scratching a sassafras twig or bark smells like a delicious mix of root beer and citrus!

The sassafras tree is like a chameleon, often growing three different leaf shapes on the same branch!

Special abilities

Ability

Shape-Shifting Leaves

Sassafras has leaves that grow in three distinct shapes (oval, mitten, three-lobed) to adapt to different light conditions.

Ability

Fragrant Defender

The sassafras releases a spicy, citrusy scent from its bark, leaves, and roots to deter hungry browsers.

Ability

Underground Networker

Sassafras can send up new shoots from its roots, forming a small grove to expand and survive.

Measurements & details

Height
900-3000 cm
Spread
600-1200 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

depends on

Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly

Papilio troilus

Larvae feed on sassafras leaves

eats

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Feeds on the dark blue berries

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Visits sassafras flowers for nectar

eats

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Consumes the tree's ripened berries

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat any parts of the sassafras tree without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is sassafras?

900-3000 cm

How wide does sassafras spread?

600-1200 cm

How big are the flowers on sassafras?

0.5-1 cm

When does sassafras bloom?

Spring

Is sassafras edible?

Yes

Is sassafras toxic?

Mild

What is sassafras's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is sassafras pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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