November Tree of the Month-Sassafras

This month, we celebrate the sassiest of the Missouri trees, Sassafras albidum
Not often found in the trade due to the difficulty in propagation, if you hike or live near the woods, you’ve probably noticed it this time of year due to the intense fall color.

If you get up close, you’ll notice one of the most peculiar traits seldom found in nature. It seems as if the sassafras just couldn’t decide what leaves to wear, so went with all options. Affectionately known as the “football”, the “catcher’s mitt” or “glove,” and the “fork” or “ghost,” if you scan the tree, you will eventually find all three leaf shapes. Another great ID feature of this tree is the scent. Crush the leaves or scratch the stems to get a whiff of the strong fragrance.

Back in the day, sassafras tea and oil was used as a folk remedy, but the oil is listed as carcinogenic by the FDA. The good news is you don’t have to drink or consume the oil to appreciate sassafras.
The small, early spring flowers are followed by unique blue fruits on red stalks about 1-2″ long. (Good luck finding them before the birds, though.) It can grow up to 60′ and likes to form colonies.

The sassafras grove at Missouri Botanical Garden across from Henry Shaw’s house is THE grove for which “Tower Grove” was named, including Shaw’s house and nearby Tower Grove Park. None of the original trees from Henry’s time are still alive, but the suckers from those trees live on today. (See photo at top.)

What I love about this tree- It’s one of our best natives. The fun-shaped leaves. The disease and pest resistance. The aromatic stems and leaves. The excellent fall color.

What I’m not crazy about-Hard to come by in the trade. It will sucker and create a colony, so give it room. The fall color is worth it.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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