Sassafras albidum
(Cinnamonwood,
Mitten Tree, Sassafras, Saxifras, Tea Tree)
Synonyms: Laurus albidus, Laurus sassafras, Sassfras officinalium, Sassfras varifolium
Origin: Native to eastern North America, Canada
Family: Lauraceae
Light: Full sun/sun-part shade/light shade
Height: >40'
Spacing: >40'
Blooms: Large clusters, chartreuse, small, mid-Spring
Foliage: Aromatic, deciduous, mitten-shaped
Fruits: Red berries turn dark blue, oval
Soil: Well-drained, very acidic, sandy
Water: Regular
Uses: Landscaping, butterfly garden, bird garden, indoors, large container, Fall interest
Propagation: Seeds, suckers
Caution: Seeds poisonous - do not eat
Comments: Sassafras
albidum or Cinnamonwood or Mitten Tree or Sassafras or Saxifras or Tea Tree or
Laurus albidus or Laurus sassafras or Sassafras officinalium or Sassafras
variifolium is a deciduous vivaparus tree with a long tap root and a rapid, suckering growth habit. It is a native of eastern North America and Canada. In mid-Spring, Sassafras albidum produces large clusters of small, chartreuse blossoms, followed later by red berries appearing on red branches. Not all Sassafras trees produces fruits. Butterflies and bees enjoy the nectar-rich blossoms of Cinnamonwood while the birds and wild life enjoy feasting on the berries and helping transport the seeds. The aromatic mitten-shaped, green leaves turn a beautiful red-orange in the Fall providing a gorgeous landscape. Saxifras is easily propagated from seeds or suckers. It performs best in a sunny to part shade location. It tolerates drought conditions and is low maintenance. In its natural habitat, Tea Tree is found growing along edes of shady woods. Laurus albidus provide ideal shade in the landscape. It can also be grown in a large container and used as an indoor plant. Laurus albidus has properties of a stimulant and diuretic. It had been sued in the treatment of cold, fever, gout and rheumatism. Sassafras Tea, reminiscent of rootbeer, is brewed from the dark brown rootbark of this tree and used as a herbal tonic. The crushed dried leaves of Sassafras officinalium is used as a thickening agent called 'file' for making delicious Louisiana gumbo. Sassafras varifolium have known to have caused abortions so use cautiously.
USDA Zones: 4-9
