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
Further Reading....
  • 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
  • Height
    15m (49ft)
  • Spread
    8m (26ft)
  • Tree
    Deeply fissured bark. Produces racemes to 5cm (2in) across of tiny flowers.
  • 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)
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade

SASSAFRAS albidum

 

 

  • Additional Features
    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
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf shape
    Elliptic
    		(see photos above)
    Ovate
    		(see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    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.

    RHS group 1
  • Scented Plants
    Scented foliage
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Humus-rich
    Neutral to acid soil
    Nearer to acid
  • Tree Shape
    Broadly columnar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sassafras - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
15m (49ft)
 tree - guide for size not form Average Person
  8m (26ft)
  

Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
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.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
3 options from £3.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi
This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries. It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
Only £7.50

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

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