TREE OF THE MONTH
By Len Phillips , ASLA Emeritus All photos provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Common Name: Sassafras Botanical Name: Sassafras albidum Family: Lauraceae Parentage: Native Height: 30 to 60 feet Spread: 25 to 40 feet Form: Pyramidal, irregular Flower: Yellow, slightly fragrant, beautiful when observed up close, 1 to 2 inches long Fruit: Drupe is 1/2-inch long, dark blue on red stem, handsome up close Foliage: Smooth leaves have one, two or three lobes on yellowish-green stem Spring Color: Pale yellowish-green flowers, stems and young leaves Summer Foliage: Medium green Autumn Foliage: Yellow to orange to scarlet to purple, outstanding for fall color
26 Arbor Age / May/June 2012
Winter Color: Handsome bark and tree form in winter Bark: Dark reddish-brown, ridged and furrowed with corky ridges Habitat: Eastern half of the United States Culture: Moist, acidic soil Hardiness Zone*: 4 – 9 Growth Rate: Full size in less than 30 years Pest Resistance: Free of major pest problems
Storm Resistance: Good Salt Resistance: Good Planting: Transplant B&B or container, difficult due to tap root and few lateral roots
Design Uses: Excellent for naturalizing a street or residential landscape Companions: Best in Sassafras thicket Site Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Other Comments: Roots are used to make tea and oil Available From: Most nurseries that specialize in native plants
* For information about the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, visit www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
Pruning: Keep sucker growth removed if single stem tree is desired Propagating: Seeds or root cuttings in winter
These are the personal observations of the author, living in New England — Zone 5b. Len Phillips can be reached via e-mail at lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com.
www.arborage.com
