Family: Lauraceae
Author: (Nutt.) Nees
Bibliography: Syst. Laur.: 490 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sassafras
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Sassafras: A Distinctive Fragrant Tree
Sassafras, scientifically known as Sassafras albidum, is a fascinating and aromatic tree that belongs to the esteemed Lauraceae family. It has a broad geographical distribution, extending from southeastern Canada to central and eastern regions of the United States, gracing these areas with its unique charm and multiple uses.
Sassafras is well-recognized for its distinctively lobed leaves, which come in three variations—ovate, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed. This diversity in leaf shape is unusual and adds to the tree’s visual appeal. In autumn, these leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing striking seasonal color.
In terms of growth, Sassafras trees can reach upwards of 15 to 20 meters tall, displaying a canopy that is broad and spreading. The bark of older trees is deeply furrowed and has a reddish-brown hue, which contrasts beautifully with the greenish twigs and young shoots.
The Sassafras tree is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treasure trove of aromatic compounds. The roots and bark are particularly notable for their warm, spicy scent, reminiscent of root beer and slightly citrusy notes. These aromatic qualities have made Sassafras historically important, used traditionally by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and later adopted in culinary applications such as flavoring for root beer and filé powder for gumbo.
Biologically, Sassafras plays a significant role in its native habitat. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but exhibits a remarkable adaptability to different soil types. This ecological flexibility allows it to form colonies through root suckers, contributing to soil stability and providing habitat for various wildlife species.
First documented in Systema Lauraceae (1836) by (Nutt.) Nees, Sassafras albidum holds an established place in botanical literature. This historical reference underscores its longstanding recognition and the enduring fascinations it holds for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
In summary, Sassafras is a multifaceted tree, commanding attention with its unique leaf shapes, vibrant fall colors, aromatic properties, and ecological importance. It continues to be a subject of admiration and study from its presence in southeastern Canada to central and eastern United States.
Common Names
Deu: fenchelholzbaum, gewöhnlicher fieberbaum, sassafras
Eng: sassafras, silky sassifras, white sassafras, mitten tree
Por: canela-sassafrás
Spa: sasafrás
Swe: sassafras
Fra: sassafras officinal, filé, gombo filé
En: Sassafras, Silky sassifras, White sassafras, Mitten tree
Bg: Сасафрас
Zh: 北美檫樹
Cs: Kašťa bělavá
Fr: Sassafras officinal, Filé, Gombo filé
Ka: Ანისულის ხე
De: Sassafras, Fenchelholzbaum, Gewöhnlicher Fieberbaum
Hu: Szasszafrász babérfa
Ko: 미국찰나무
Pl: Sasafras lekarski
Pt: Canela-sassafrás
Es: Sasafrás
Sv: Sassafras
Synonyms
- Laurus sassafras (L.)
- Sassafras officinale (T.Nees & C.H.Eberm.)
- Laurus albida (Nutt.)
- Laurus salsafraz (Noronha)
- Tetranthera albida ((Nutt.) Spreng.)
- Laurus variifolia (Salisb.)
- Sassafras officinale var. albidum ((Nutt.) S.F.Blake)
- Sassafras variifolium (Kuntze)
- Laurus diversifolia (Stokes)
- Sassafras laurus (Macloskie)
- Sassafras albidum var. molle ((Raf.) Fernald)
- Sassafras albidum f. moldenkei (Oswald)
- Sassafras sassafras ((L.) H.Karst.)
- Persea sassafras ((L.) Spreng.)
- Sassafras officinarum (J.Presl)
- Sassafras variifolium var. albidum ((Nutt.) Fernald)
- Sassafras triloba var. mollis (Raf.)
- Sassafras rubrum (Raf.)
- Sassafras triloba (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Romania (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Apr 19, 2021 by cthulhu mittens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Marcel Duchamp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Ashley Mongeon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Dina Lee (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 11, 2019 by Raye Angel-Riley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Forrest Adam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Richard Martinez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by mike thomas jr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Nashawannuck (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 28, 2021 by arenda pace (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Nixxy Whatchamacallit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Shaheen Alikhan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Emma Post (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2021 by John Charon (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Díaz Mondría Gonzalo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Frgt10Athrty (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2021 by cthulhu mittens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Josh Murray (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Steve Frank (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 11, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 21, 2014 by EOL − benwilliams (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 29, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Elijah Jay (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 5, 2013 by EOL − scparks (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 18, 2015 by EOL − rpruitt (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 20, 2015 by EOL − cmcallister (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 24, 2014 by EOL − person136793 (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034002)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:468624-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 4.5