Sassafras tree
Sassafras leaves

Sassafras Tree

$15.99

Sassafras Tree For Sale (Sassafras albidum) A Native Tree with Character — and a Long History Sassafras is one of those trees people notice without knowing the name. It’s the one with three different leaf shapes on the same tree. The one that turns tones of orange, red, and even purple in the fal...

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About Sassafras Tree

Sassafras Tree For Sale (Sassafras albidum)

A Native Tree with Character — and a Long History

Sassafras is one of those trees people notice without knowing the name.
It’s the one with three different leaf shapes on the same tree. The one that turns tones of orange, red, and even purple in the fall. The one that’s been part of American landscapes — and history — for a long time.
If you’re looking for something native that doesn’t feel ordinary, this is it.

Why Plant Sassafras?

There are faster trees. There are bigger trees.
But there aren’t many like this.
  • Unique foliage – mitten-shaped, oval, and three-lobed leaves on one tree
  • Outstanding fall color – often brighter than surrounding trees
  • Wildlife value – host plant for swallowtail butterflies
  • Native toughness – handles poor soils and natural conditions well
  • Spreads naturally – can form small colonies over time
It’s not a “perfectly manicured” tree — and that’s exactly why people love it.
Check out this article about the Sassafras tree for more details

Sassafras Tree Quick Facts

  • Botanical name: Sassafras albidum
  • Common name: Sassafras
  • Mature height: 30–60 feet
  • Sun: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Adaptable, well-drained preferred
  • Growth rate: Moderate
  • Native range: Eastern United States
  • Wildlife value: Host plant for butterflies

What to Expect

Sassafras has a natural, slightly wild growth habit.
  • Mature height: 30–60 ft
  • Spread: 25–40 ft
  • Growth rate: Moderate
  • Sun: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Adaptable (does well in average to dry soils)
It can grow as a single tree or send up shoots nearby, creating a more natural grove look over time.

A Tree with Deep Roots in American History

Sassafras has been used for generations.

Adding trees like this brings your property back into balance — not only visually, but ecologically.

Is Sassafras a Good Tree to Plant?

Yes — for the right setting, sassafras is one of the most rewarding native trees you can grow.

It’s especially well-suited for:

  • Naturalized areas
  • Property edges
  • Wildlife-focused landscapes
  • Low-maintenance plantings

Because it’s native, it adapts easily and doesn’t require constant care once established.

If you’re looking for a tree that supports wildlife and adds seasonal interest without becoming high maintenance, sassafras is a strong choice.

Growing Tips (Keep It Simple)

Sassafras doesn’t need much once it’s established.
  • Plant in well-drained soil
  • Water regularly during the first growing season
  • Avoid heavy fertilizing
  • Give it room if you want it to spread naturally
It’s a good choice for edges, natural areas, and places where you don’t want to constantly manage things.

Shipping & Size

  • Shipped dormant (seasonally)
  • Well-rooted young trees for best transplant success 1-2 feet tall
  • Grown to handle real outdoor conditions — not just greenhouse life

Sassafras vs Other Native Trees

Sassafras is often compared to trees like redbud or dogwood, but it fills a different role.

  • More natural growth habit
  • Better suited for informal landscapes
  • Higher wildlife value than many ornamentals
  • More unique foliage than most native trees

If you want something less “landscaped” and more connected to the natural environment, sassafras stands out.

Browse our full selection of native plants for sale

Supports pollinators similar to many of our pollinator plants

 

Not Your Typical Landscape Tree

Sassafras isn’t for perfectly lined driveways or formal rows.
It’s for people who want something which feels a little more real.
Once you notice it, you start seeing it everywhere — and wondering why you didn’t plant one sooner.

Shop all Native Trees

Growing Sassafras in Tennessee and the Southeast

Sassafras grows naturally throughout Tennessee and much of the Southeast, making it a reliable choice for this region.

It performs well in:

  • USDA zones 4–9
  • Clay and loamy soils
  • Areas with hot summers and seasonal rainfall

If you're planting in Tennessee or similar climates, sassafras is already adapted to your conditions.

Ships As
Bare root
Zone
4-9
Exposure
Full Sun