Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) (Nuttall, 1836)

 

Synonyms: Laurus albida, Sassafras officinalis, Sassafras variifolium, white sassafras

 

 

Sassafras albidum is native to eastern North America, from the southern Great Lakes and New England to eastern Texas and central Florida (Map). It grows in rich, sandy soils in eastern deciduous forests and woodlands; up to 1,500 m. This is a medium-sized deciduous tree, up to 15-25 m in height; trunk diameter to 60 cm; bark is deeply furrowed. The leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic, 2-3 lobed or unlobed, green to yellow-green. The flowers are yellow or greenish, with 5-6 tepals, and arranged in drooping racemes. Flowering occurs in April-May. The fruit is a dark blue-black drupe. All parts of this species are fragrant.

 

		D60355 Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), seedling Bear Creek Preserve, Luzerne County Pennsylvania, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D60354 Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), seedling Bear Creek Preserve, Luzerne County Pennsylvania, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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