Sassafras albidum

This is an easily identified small to occasionally medium deciduous tree, growing at times to 50 feet high, but usually smaller. It can be found in old fields, fencerows, mesic to upland woods, and forests of many types. It is somewhat of a pioneer woody species, frequently growing in dense stands in abandoned fields and thickets. This lovely, aromatic, tree is pyramidal when young but later develops into a rounded canopy composed of short, horizontal branches. The leaves, fragrant when crushed, come in three shapes: mitten-shaped with one large lobe and a small “thumb,” an oval leaf, and a three-lobed leaf. In early to mid-spring, small, bright yellow-green flower clusters appear on separate male and female trees. Female trees produce a blue, fleshy drupe that is beloved by birds. In autumn, bright green foliage transforms into magical shades of orange/pink, yellow/red, and even scarlet/purple. By wintertime, the furrowed aromatic bark steals the show. Sassafras is a larval host to the spicebush swallowtail, tiger swallowtail and several others! Roots and bark have been used to produce oil for perfumes and soaps, giving off a strong lemon-like fragrance. It tends to want to sucker repeatedly and will spread to form thickets so it is a great tree for fencerows and mass plantings. Although, if the suckers are removed, the tree will grow a single-trunk. The seasonal interest of this plant makes it a must-have!