Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
A native with mitten-shaped aromatic leaves, spectacular orange-to-red fall color, and a tendency to form root-sucker colonies. The whole tree smells of root beer when cut; brittle wood and weak forks make it a modest but messy removal.
Field reference
Family
Lauraceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
30–60 ft tall, 25–40 ft spread
Hardiness zone
4–9
Soil preference
Moist, acidic, well-drained sandy loam; intolerant of lime and compaction
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Pruning window
Dormant season (late winter)
Wood properties
Light, soft, brittle aromatic wood (~0.42 SG). Weak branch unions and root-suckering thickets; spicy orange-scented bark is the field ID giveaway.
Native range
Eastern United States, Maine to Florida and west to Texas
Green weight
42 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
Why does my sassafras keep sprouting new trees in the lawn?
Sassafras spreads by root suckers and naturally forms thickets. Mow or dig the suckers if you want a single trunk; the colony habit is normal and not a sign of disease.
Why does the cut wood smell like root beer?
Sassafras bark and roots contain aromatic oils (historically used to flavor root beer). The strong spicy-citrus scent when pruning is a reliable way to confirm the species in the field.
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