Sassafras Tree

Sassafras variifolium

Nature Hills Nursery

Tree

$97⁹⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant fall colors and dense growth, plant your Sassafras in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct light daily. While it tolerates partial shade, you will likely see a more open, "leggy" structure and less dramatic orange and red foliage in autumn.
Soil: These trees thrive in well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or peat moss to improve drainage, as Sassafras roots are prone to rot if they sit in "wet feet" for too long.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the deep taproot establish. Once the tree is mature, it is remarkably drought-tolerant, though inconsistent moisture during a dry summer can lead to premature leaf drop or smaller leaf size. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated to mimic its natural woodland habitat.

Pruning Tips

Sassafras trees bloom on old wood, so any structural pruning should be done in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing the lower "suckers" or sprouts that emerge from the base to maintain a single-trunk tree form rather than a thicket-like shrub. Think of this like a clean haircut that directs all the plant's energy into the main canopy for a more majestic silhouette.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to winter kill. A simple organic mulch spread around the base will also provide a steady stream of nutrients as it breaks down.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

A Fragrant Tree with Many Uses!

Fragrant Features
Spring and Fall Color
Pest Free

The Sassafras tree is a medium-sized tree valued for its many unique features. It starts out with a shrub-like appearance, so would do well in a naturalized area of your landscape or a backyard setting.

The overwhelming positive feature of this tree in one word is "fragrant".

You'll love the green-yellow flowers that appear in the spring. Their gentle sweetness will draw the attention of bees and butterflies from miles around. It's one of the few trees that's attracts the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.

You'll marvel at the adorable mitten-shaped leaves that emit a delightful scent when crushed in your hand. Even the twigs and bark, resplendent in their rich mahogany hues, are aromatic.

Your entire Sassafras tree is a study in beauty and scent!

When fall arrives, you'll enjoy watching birds and other wildlife flock to the tiny dark blue berries that stand upright on red stalks from your tree's branches.

The mitten leaves will transform your autumn landscape with variations of red to yellow before relaxing into winter's rest.

Your Sassafras is an amazing tree with a rich history in lore and uses. Native Americans used the tree extensively, and many people still do today.

It's often called the "root beer tree" because of the flavor it produces, especially when made into a tea. The leaves are dried, crushed and used in recipes such as traditional gumbo, candies and jelly.

Plant one today and treat yourself to years of fragrant beauty and fascinating benefits. Order a Sassafras Tree of your own!

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Beautiful tree

Great packaging and prices!

Dear Ashley,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you were pleased with the packaging and found our prices to be a great value. We take great care in ensuring your plants arrive safely and at fair prices, so your feedback truly means a lot to us.

If you have any questions about caring for your beautiful tree or need tips on helping it thrive in your garden, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your planting journey.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Beautiful tree

Great packaging and prices!

Hi Ashley,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you were pleased with both our packaging and prices. We take great care in making sure your beautiful tree arrives safe and sound, so your feedback truly means a lot to us. If you ever need any tips or guidance on the care of your new tree, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help your garden thrive!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Fall color

In western Virginia, perhaps the most showy fall tree.

Dear Quietman,

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation of the Sassafras Tree's vibrant fall color! It’s wonderful to hear that in western Virginia, this tree truly stands out as a showy and beautiful seasonal highlight. Sassafras is indeed a fantastic choice for adding striking autumn hues to any landscape.

If you’re looking to keep your Sassafras healthy and maintain that vivid fall color, be sure to plant it in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional mulching to retain moisture can also help it thrive. Should you need detailed care instructions or want to explore companion plants that enhance your garden’s fall palette, feel free to reach out or visit our resources online.

Thank you again for your kind words and for trusting Nature Hills with your gardening needs!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

unusual, beautiful tree

This tree grows smaller in my neck of the woods(Southeast New Hampshire) than its larger 100ftsouthern hosts but I remember as a kid seeing themitten leaves and the smell of the root beer liketea people still make from the roots. After so many attempts at growing one from cuttings etc.I received a live tree growing in a pot lastyear and its finally taking off. Its only 2 fttall but its green bark is interesting and theleaves are breaking out now.

Hello Littlebibs,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Sassafras Tree! It’s wonderful to hear how this unusual and beautiful tree holds such special memories for you, from the mitten-shaped leaves to the nostalgic root beer-like tea aroma. Growing a Sassafras in Southeast New Hampshire does present some challenges compared to the bigger southern specimens, so it’s fantastic that your tree is thriving and showing those unique green bark and fresh leaves.

Since your sapling is just getting established, here are a few tips that might help it along: be sure to keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, and consider a protected spot with partial sunlight to mimic the conditions they enjoy in their native zoning. Additionally, applying a mild, organic mulch can help conserve moisture and regulate temperature. You might also find our online Sassafras Care Guide helpful, which provides insight on pruning, soil needs, and pest management specific to your area.

We’re excited to see how your Sassafras continues to grow and evoke such lovely memories – what a fortunate plant friend to have! Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or want more tailored advice as your green companion grows.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Sassafras Tree

This tree is also the host tree to the beautiful Spicebush Swallowtail and numerous sphinx and silk moths. Dont think it will harm or damage the trees, because usually the caterpillars do not appear in large enough numbers to cause any damage. A great wildlife tree!

Hi Susan,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful insights about the Sassafras Tree! We truly appreciate you highlighting how it supports beautiful pollinators like the Spicebush Swallowtail and various moth species. It’s great to hear from someone who recognizes the important role this wildlife-friendly tree plays in creating a vibrant ecosystem. You're absolutely right—these caterpillars rarely appear in numbers large enough to cause harm, making the Sassafras a wonderful addition to any garden that welcomes nature's visitors.

If you ever want to encourage even more wildlife, consider incorporating native nectar plants nearby to support adult butterflies and moths. And if you have other favorite shrubs or trees that benefit your local wildlife, we’d love to hear about them too!

Thank you again for your thoughtful review and for celebrating stewardship of nature through your garden.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Sassafras Tree