30-60' × 25-40'
Fast-growing medium-sized native tree offers stunning autumn foliage in vivid scarlet and orange, even purple. The trees are polymorphic, oddly growing three different leaf shapes on the same branch: ovate, bilobed (mitten-shaped), and trilobed. Clusters of greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring and on female trees ripen into colorful dark blue drupes with red caps and stems, which are enjoyed by various migratory birds. Central leader can grow 1–2' each year with layered branches elegantly adorning the trunk, which itself is ornamental with its deeply furrowed bark.
A member of the Laurel family, Sassafras shares the trait of having spicy-scented bark and roots. Many parts of the tree were used by First Nations people for medicine. The distilled oil of the roots was highly sought after by colonists as a restorative tonic and a popular export alongside tobacco.
Prefers rich loamy soils, full sun to part shade. A dioecious species with separate male and female trees: These are unsexed seedlings, so plant more than one for fruit sets. Found in open woods, fields and along roadsides in much of eastern North America, including southern Maine. Zone 4.
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