I planted Sassafras with Trees Atlanta today. It's been one of my favorite trees since I was very small, and the first tree I could identify. I'd tramp through the woods digging up all the Sassafras roots I could find then take them home to cure. When they were ready I'd pester my mom to make tea from'em and loads of honey.
How do you identify a Sassafras tree?
Sassafras albidium
Height 30 to 60'
Canopy 25' to 40'
Size varies, depending on environment
The leaves can help with its identification and vary from distinctive mitten, glove, and trident shapes. The fall color is spectacular: pastel oranges, pinks, and purples. When it floreces, its small blooms are as yellow as a lightening bug or original green Gatorade. Birds quickly snatch up its tiny dark blue fruits. The sympodial branching has an very recognizable silhouette in winter, and identifying it is easy, even as you zip along the highway at 65 mph. What is sympodial branching? New growth starts at side buds (axilary buds) instead of the top buds (terminal buds) on the branches, giving the tree a twisted, yet symmetrical or neat appearance.
If you'd like to see a fine, old, beautiful sassafras tree, there's an excellent specimen at the corner Barksdale Drive and Maddox Street in Ansley Park Neighborhood.
How do you identify a Sassafras tree?
Sassafras albidium
Height 30 to 60'
Canopy 25' to 40'
Size varies, depending on environment
The leaves can help with its identification and vary from distinctive mitten, glove, and trident shapes. The fall color is spectacular: pastel oranges, pinks, and purples. When it floreces, its small blooms are as yellow as a lightening bug or original green Gatorade. Birds quickly snatch up its tiny dark blue fruits. The sympodial branching has an very recognizable silhouette in winter, and identifying it is easy, even as you zip along the highway at 65 mph. What is sympodial branching? New growth starts at side buds (axilary buds) instead of the top buds (terminal buds) on the branches, giving the tree a twisted, yet symmetrical or neat appearance.
If you'd like to see a fine, old, beautiful sassafras tree, there's an excellent specimen at the corner Barksdale Drive and Maddox Street in Ansley Park Neighborhood.