Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sassafras albidum is a deciduous native tree found throughout eastern North America that blooms in April and May. This adaptable species supports bees and butterflies while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sassafras as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sassafras is a medium to large native tree known for its distinctive mitten-shaped leaves and brilliant orange-red fall color. It produces small yellow-green flowers in spring followed by dark blue berries, and can spread by root suckers to form colonies if not managed.
Growing Sassafras
Grow Sassafras in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sassafras takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively by root suckers
- Can become quite large for typical residential lots
- May appear too informal for structured landscapes
Wildlife value
Host plant for tiger swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, palamedes swallowtail.
The flowers attract bees and butterflies in spring, while the berries feed various bird species. Sassafras serves as a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Sassafras albidum bloom?
- Sassafras albidum typically blooms in April and May, producing small yellow-green flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Sassafras albidum?
- Sassafras albidum attracts bees and butterflies with its early spring flowers, providing important nectar when few other plants are blooming.
- Where is Sassafras albidum native?
- Sassafras albidum is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Iowa, Kansas, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Sassafras albidum prefer?
- Sassafras albidum is adaptable to full sun through partial shade and tolerates medium to low moisture conditions once established.
- Is Sassafras toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sassafras as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sassafras HOA-friendly?
- Sassafras takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sassafras? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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