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Sassafras Tree

Sassafras variifolium

Regular price $2495
  • Out of stock
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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

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Plant Highlights

Sassafras Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Sassafras variifolium
  • Growing Zones
    4-8
  • Mature Height
    40 - 60 feet
  • Mature Spread
    20 - 40 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Soil
    Heavy Loam
  • Growth Rate
    Medium
  • Flower Color
    Green
  • Fall Color
    Yellow and Red
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring

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!

Customer Reviews

Based on 26 reviews
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A
Ashley
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

A
Ashley
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

Q
Quietman
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

L
Littlebibs
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

S
Susan
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