Sassafras Tree
Sassafras variifolium
Sassafras Tree - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
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
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Sassafras Tree highlights at a glance!
-
Botanical Name
-
Brand
-
Growing Zones4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-
Growth RateMedium
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Width
-
Leaf Color
-
Flower Color
-
Fall Color
-
NativeYes
-
Pollinator FriendlyYes
-
Pollinator Required
-
Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
-
Does Not Ship To
Characteristics
Growing Zones 4-8
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!
