Sassafras

Common Name: Sassafras
Species Name: Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees
Family Name: Lauraceae
Plant Type: Trees


Plant Facts
Origin	North America
Duration	Perennial
Distribution in Oklahoma	Eastern quarter of state
Sun Preference	Moderately shade tolerant
Susceptibility	None, but exotic laurel wilt found nearby in AR & TX

ID Characteristics

Field Identification Characteristics

Shade tree, ornamental
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 8-inch diameter, 40-foot height
- Leaves: Decidious Broadleaf
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Leaf Shape: Elliptical, with 2-3 broad, blunt lobes
- Stipules: No
Floral Characteristics
- Petals: Small Clusters
- Flower Color: Greenish-yellow
- Flower Timing: Early Spring
- Fruit Type: Berry


Habitat/Ecology
Habitat	Hardwood forest understory, openings and clearings
Soil Type	Varies
USDA Cold Hardiness Zone	6 to 8
Successional Stage	Early to mid