Sassafras albidum – Sassafras

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Lauraceae

Sassafras albidum – Sassafras

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Striking tree with a dense, round crown of 10 - 15 m. Forms root suckers so a single tree, when mature, can grow into what looks like a thicket. Young twigs are bright green and smooth. The twigs and branches remain green for several years. Old bark is brown-grey with deep, reticulate grooves. The glossy, green leaves are of variable shapes, from unlobed to 3-lobed. The underside is blue-green and slightly to very hairy. The branches as well as the leaves spread an aromatic, lemony fragrance when crushed. In autumn the leaf turns golden yellow to yellow-orange. The flowers appear just before the leaf emerges. Small greenish yellow flowers stand in racemose clusters. They are followed by glossy, dark-blue drupes on red stems. Grows on almost every moist to quite dry, well-drained soil. Despite the fact that it is a pioneer tree in its native habitat, S. albidum is difficult to transplant in culture.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Clear stem (3)
Specifications
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Height
10 - 15 m
Width
6-12m
Crown
round, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
twigs green, bark brown-grey, deeply grooved
Leaf
ovate to elongated, unlobed to 3-lobed, glossy green, 7 - 18 cm
Autumn colour
yellow, orange
Flowers
in racemose clusters, greenish-yellow, approx. 1.5 cm, April, fragrant flowers
Fruits
ovoid drupe, 1 - 1.5 cm, glossy, dark-blue, on red stem
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
has toxic components
Soil type
moist to quite dry, well-drained soils, also on clay
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5b (-26,0 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Eastern and south eastern North America
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres dense crown green yellowgreen April average growing Conspicuous bloom Attractive autumn colour valuable for butterflies provides food for birds toxic components Fragrant flowers
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Frequently asked questions
Sassafras albidum

Sassafras albidum can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Sassafras albidum is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Sassafras albidum turn yellow, orange in autumn.

The right time to plant Sassafras albidum is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Sassafras albidum with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Sassafras albidum blooms in april.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.