SASSAFRAS ALBIDUM - Sassafras

The Sassafras tree is a small to medium size deciduous tree that can be found in the Eastern United States.

[Elementary School students]

Did you know?

The tree is easy to identify in autumn because of the colors.

*  The fall colors are a brilliant autumn display, with leaves turning yellow, deep orange, scarlet and purple.

Who knew that this tree had medicinal properties?

* Native Americans used sassafras to cure many different conditions, such as for a spring blood tonic.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/sassafras

What part of the tree is used to make a soda?

*  The root of the Sassafras tree is used to make root beer.

Leaf

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiV78LultTSAhXFOSYKHTopAqUQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.sluh.org%2Fbioweb%2Fnh%2Fleaf.php%3Fid%3D37&psig=AFQjCNGQr6oBNuKu7A2QP3dsRsAkjvdIEw&ust=1489518467352729

[Middle School students]

Habitat (where it likes to live)

*  Well drained soils in full sun and also in wet soils
*  Location: Eastern and central North America  (Zone 4 to 9)

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=84

Requirements (what it needs to live)

*  Water: Medium
*  Maintenance: Low
*  Suggested Use: Shade Tree, Street Tree and Rain Garden

Identification (what it looks like)

*  Flowers and foliage are fragrant
*  Leaves have tree shapes – oval, ‘mitten shaped and three lobed
*  Good fall colors

[High School students]

Habit (how it grows)

*  Height: 30 to 60 feet
*  Spread: 25 to 40 feet
*  Bloom Time: April to May
*  Bloom Description: Green to yellow
*  Sun: Full sun to part shade
*  Tolerate: Dry and sandy soils
*  Flower: Showy
*  Fruit: Showy
*  Fall color: Bright, multi-colored leaves

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i820

Flower

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjvuManl9TSAhWJbSYKHfP5Do8QjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwildeherb.com%2F2014%2F05%2F27%2Fgender-specific-lemony-flowers-of-sassafras%2F&bvm=bv.149397726,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNF_cxOnCDnvwjVL3QVTs6trbAQYSA&ust=1489518560970642

Berry

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi6tt7Tl9TSAhUIQiYKHaU8BcIQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbushcraftusa.com%2Fforum%2Fthreads%2Fsassafras-seed.3238%2F&bvm=bv.149397726,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNGvpg_9yhR6SvgogcC9zXLkVZrBdw&ust=1489518668688541

Fall color(s)

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=saal5

Suggested Use (where to plant it):

*  Residential: As an ornamental tree in the garden
*  Rain Gardens – To look good and help shade other plants
*  Parks – Seth Hand Park

References:

1. Google - https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiV78LultTSAhXFOSYKHTopAqUQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.sluh.org%2Fbioweb%2Fnh%2Fleaf.php%3Fid%3D37&psig=AFQjCNGQr6oBNuKu7A2QP3dsRsAkjvdIEw&ust=1489518467352729
2. Missouri Botanic Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i820
3. Wildflower Center - https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=saal5
4. VA Tech - http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus