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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
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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Exotic plants
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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 -
DeciduousLeaves can be entire or shallowly to deeply 3-lobed. Dark-green leaves to 15cm (6in) long turn yellow to orange or purple in autumn
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Yellow
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Fully hardy
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Elliptic
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Ovate
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Height
15m (49ft) -
Spread
8m (26ft) -
TreeDeeply fissured bark. Produces racemes to 5cm (2in) across of tiny flowers.
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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.
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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
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Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Fertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich
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Neutral to acid soilNearer to acid
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Broadly columnar
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Mature Size15m (49ft)
8m (26ft)
View Detailed Plant Description
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Sassafras - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tidying young trees in October - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
View Planting Combinations
