Sassafras Tree

Sassafras variifolium

Nature Hills Nursery

Mitten-Shaped Leaves Release Delightful Fragrance When Crushed, Attracting Spicebush Swallowtails
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Stunning Yellow and Red Fall Foliage

$97⁹⁰

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Plant Size

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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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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 Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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!

Botanical Name

Sassafras variifolium
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

variifolium
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

40-60 ft
Width

20-40 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Green, Yellow
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple
Fall Color

Yellow and Red
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i buy a sassafras tree?

You can buy sassafras trees from online nurseries, local garden centers, and native plant specialists. This medium-sized native tree starts shrub-like and develops into a fragrant specimen valued for its mitten-shaped leaves and root beer scent. Look for reputable suppliers that offer healthy, well-rooted specimens.

How big do sassafras trees get?

Sassafras trees are medium-sized, typically reaching 30-60 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide at maturity. They start with a shrub-like appearance before developing into their full tree form. Plant in naturalized areas where they have room to spread, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does a Sassafras tree prefer and what pH level?

Sassafras trees are adaptable to most well-draining soils and prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels between 5.5-7.0. They tolerate poor soils well, making them excellent for naturalized areas. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and avoid heavy clay soils.

Do Sassafras trees have any common pest or disease problems?

Sassafras trees are notably pest-free and have minimal disease issues, making them low-maintenance landscape choices. Their natural resistance means you won't need regular spraying or treatments. Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation to prevent any potential fungal issues.

Can Sassafras trees tolerate drought conditions?

Sassafras trees have moderate drought tolerance once established, thanks to their native heritage and deep root system. They prefer consistent moisture but can handle dry spells better than many ornamental trees. Water regularly during the first two years, then reduce frequency as the tree matures. Shop drought-tolerant native trees at naturehills.com.

Should I plant male and female Sassafras trees together for better fruit production?

Sassafras trees are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female, and only female trees produce the dark blue berries that attract wildlife in fall. You'll need both a male and female tree planted within pollination distance for fruit production. If you want berries for birds and the full ornamental display, plant at least one of each gender.