Additional Information
Native to the Eastern United States, Sassafras albidum is a tree or a shrub known for its variable uses in medicine and cooking. It comes from the Lauraceae family, which also includes some popular spices like cinnamon.
This deciduous tree is often grown for its ornamental appearance and fragrance. The Sassafras distinct leaves come in three different shapes – entire, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed leaf. In fall, the leaves turn into beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red.
This medium-sized tree, with a moderate growth rate, can reach up to 49-65 feet (15–20 m) height while the canopy can spread up to 39 feet (12 m) wide. The tree is very hardy and it’s found at elevations varying from Mississippi River bottom lands and the southern Appalachian Mountains where the tree can grow at altitudes of sea level up to 5000 ft (1,500 m).
It grows in various types of soil, but it grows best in moist, well-drained, sandy loam soil. This tree prefers partial shade and a plenty of space. If you wish for a fruit production, you should plant both male and female trees.
Sassafras albidum was an important plant to Native American tribes of the southeastern United States and was used for many purposes, especially for medical treatments and as a culinary ingredient with its Sassafras root bark.
It became the second-largest export from America to Europe after tobacco in the early 17th century. For many centuries, Sassafras has been used for its diuretic properties and it’s said that can be beneficial for the urinary system. It is also used as a body cleanser since it can purify the blood.
It also has a particular culinary significance, especially in Louisiana Creole cuisine, since distinct national foods such as traditional root beer and file powder are made of Sassafras Tree’s parts.
Sassafras tree oil is used in aromatherapy and soap and perfume manufacturing, or as a skin remedy.
