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

SASSAFRAS albidum

Available Early Spring 2022 - Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.

£40.00 each

Available Early Spring 2022

3 Litre

Details
Description
Mature Size
Tips and Advice
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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
25m (82ft)
Spread
15m (49ft)
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
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
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