How to Grow Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras is a fast-growing native tree prized for its spectacular orange, red, and yellow autumn colour and distinctive mitten-shaped leaves. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Tolerates a wide range of conditions once established but dislikes waterlogged ground. Remove root suckers regularly if a single-trunk specimen is desired. Minimal pruning needed beyond removing dead or crossing branches in late winter.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Grows well in full sun or partial shade. Develops a broader canopy in full sun and a more open, layered form as an understory tree. Does not tolerate deep shade.
Watering
Regular when young; drought-tolerant once established
Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to establish the deep taproot. Once established, sassafras is quite drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental water except in prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing
Generally not needed; light feed if soil is poor
Do not fertilize in the first year after planting. Established trees in average soil need no fertilizer. In poor soils, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning
Minimal; remove suckers for single-trunk form
Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter while dormant. Remove root suckers regularly at ground level if a single-trunk specimen tree is desired rather than a thicket.
Spacing
7-10 m apart
Space 7-10 m apart for specimen trees. The mature spread is 7-12 m depending on growing conditions. Allow room for the spreading root system which produces suckers.
