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Common Sassafras

About Common Sassafras

Sassafras is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central USA. It can be found in woodlands, fields, and along roadsides in NC except the higher mountains. It prefers well-drained sandy acidic soils. Female trees produce a blue, fleshy drupe that is borne in a red cup attached to a red stalk. The leaves turn yellow to orange to red in color in the fall.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Sassafras albidum

Genus

Sassafras

Family

Lauraceae

Order

Laurales

Also known as

Sassafras, White sassafras, Red sassafras and Silky sassafras

How to care for Common Sassafras

💦 Water

How often to water your Common Sassafras

Common Sassafras needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Common Sassafras in your home

Common Sassafras love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Common Sassafras does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Common Sassafras in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Common Sassafras

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Common Sassafras: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Common Sassafras after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Common Sassafras is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

How to Grow Common Sassafras →

Benefits of Growing Common Sassafras →

Common Common Sassafras Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for Common Sassafras →

💦 Water Needs

Common Sassafras prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Common Sassafras Water Frequency →

Common Sassafras Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Common Sassafras requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Common Sassafras Light Requirements →

Common Sassafras Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Common Sassafras is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Common Sassafras is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is Common Sassafras Edible? →

Common Sassafras Toxicity to Cats →

Common Sassafras Toxicity to Dogs →

Common Sassafras Toxicity to Humans →

🪴 Soil

Common Sassafras does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Common Sassafras →

Best Pots for Common Sassafras →

When and How to Successfully Repot Common Sassafras →

What Are Healthy Common Sassafras Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Common Sassafras is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Common Sassafras →

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Common Sassafras will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.

Common Sassafras Lifecycle →

Common Sassafras Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Common Sassafras →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Common Sassafras can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-9a. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Common Sassafras Temperature Tolerance →

Common Sassafras Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Common Sassafras →

When to Plant Common Sassafras →

How to Plant Common Sassafras →

Where to Plant Common Sassafras →

Winter Care for Common Sassafras →

Best Companion Plants for Common Sassafras →

Is Common Sassafras a Weed? →

🌱 Propagation

How to Propagate Common Sassafras →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Common Sassafras, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.