Sassafras is a North American native tree that provides vivid fall color and interesting mitten-shaped leaves. In the wild it can form thickets, a trait that may not be appropriate for every landscape.
This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Wilhelm and Rericha’s Flora of the Chicago Region.
- Family (English) Laurel
- Family (botanic) Lauraceae
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
- Mature height 20-30 feet
- Mature width 25-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Tolerant
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
- Season of interest mid spring, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Yellow
- Shape or form Irregular, Pyramidal, Round, Thicket-forming
- Growth rate Fast, Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Excessive sucker growth, May be difficult to find in nurseries
- Wildlife Browsers, Game birds, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Has cultivars Yes
