Sassafras albidum
Lauraceae
Pioneer species that can form colonies via root sprouts. Tolerates dry soils and poor nutrients, leaves yellow in alkaline soils. Mature trees prone to storm damage. Roots produce allelopathic chemical which may reduce growth of some nearby plants.
Summary
Climate Tolerance
Very Good
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for bees; fruits food source for birds, small mammals; moth/butterfly host, such as Spicebush swallowtail
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
31
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Very Low
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
- Beech Mixed: Rare
- Oak Mixed: Occasional
- Alluvial: Occasional
- Red Maple Mixed: Frequent
- Ruderal: Occasional
- Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern
