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  • SASSAFRAS albidum
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    SASSAFRAS albidum  SASSAFRAS albidum  SASSAFRAS albidum  SASSAFRAS albidum  CORNUS 'Norman Hadden' and SASSAFRAS albidum
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    >

    SASSAFRAS albidum

    Commonly known as Ague tree

    Very upright tree spreading by suckers with aromatic leaves and good autumn colour. A rare tree in the UK
    plant size comparison icon
    3 Litre   - Click to view photo
    Delivery Information
    Available again from SEPTEMBER 2025
    £35.00 each 
    Available again from SEPTEMBER 2025 - This plant will be delivered when new stock arrives in early autumn
     
    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
    • Flowering
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      Jan
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      Feb
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      Mar
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      Apr
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      May
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      Jun
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      Jul
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      Aug
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      Sep
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      Oct
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      Nov
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      Dec
    • Exotic plants
    • Medicinal properties
      Aromatic oils from this plant repel pests and can act as a tonic to lower blood pressure. Was used as flavouring in root beer until the main component of the essential oil, safrole was banned for health reasons (carcinogenic).
    • Pests & Diseases
      None
    • Place of origin
      Eastern North America
    • Deciduous
      Leaves can be entire or shallowly to deeply 3-lobed. Dark-green leaves to 15cm (6in) long turn yellow to orange or purple in autumn
    • Yellow
    • Fully hardy
    • Elliptic
    • Ovate
    • Height
      15m (49ft)
    • Spread
      8m (26ft)
    • Tree
      Deeply fissured bark. Produces racemes to 5cm (2in) across of tiny flowers.
    • Pruning group 1
      Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
      Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
      When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

    • Hardy - cold winter
      Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
    • Scented foliage
    • Autumn Seasonal Interest
    • Fertile moist well-drained soil
      Humus-rich
    • Neutral to acid soil
      Nearer to acid
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
    • Broadly columnar
    • Mature Size
      15m (49ft)
      tree - guide for size not form Average Person
        8m (26ft)
       
    View Detailed Plant Description

     

    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Sassafras - Growing Guide
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    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
    A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
    0.9 kg
    £6.00
    Unavailable
    2.5 kg
    £13.00
    Unavailable
    4.5 kg
    £25.00
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
    Garden Goodies
    Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots. Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
    Tie in slate labels
    £10.00
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