Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
I love Sassafras, its distinctive leaves and nice smell, make it a great wildlife plant to have around. Its nectar and pollen attract a variety of small native bees and it is the host plant to the Cecropia, Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and 24 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The Pileated Woodpecker, Bobwhite, and many birds also enjoy the drupes of Sassafras (illinoiswildflower.info). Deer will snack on this plant, so plan on giving it a little protection until it gets bigger. Plants may sucker in optimal conditions.
***NOTE: Sassafras is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, both of which are needed to produce fruit. However, our plants are not gendered at this time, and we cannot guarantee any specific gender.
Photo credit: Judy Gallagher (1), John Blair (2-4)
I love Sassafras, its distinctive leaves and nice smell, make it a great wildlife plant to have around. Its nectar and pollen attract a variety of small native bees and it is the host plant to the Cecropia, Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and 24 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The Pileated Woodpecker, Bobwhite, and many birds also enjoy the drupes of Sassafras (illinoiswildflower.info). Deer will snack on this plant, so plan on giving it a little protection until it gets bigger. Plants may sucker in optimal conditions.
***NOTE: Sassafras is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, both of which are needed to produce fruit. However, our plants are not gendered at this time, and we cannot guarantee any specific gender.
Photo credit: Judy Gallagher (1), John Blair (2-4)
I love Sassafras, its distinctive leaves and nice smell, make it a great wildlife plant to have around. Its nectar and pollen attract a variety of small native bees and it is the host plant to the Cecropia, Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and 24 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The Pileated Woodpecker, Bobwhite, and many birds also enjoy the drupes of Sassafras (illinoiswildflower.info). Deer will snack on this plant, so plan on giving it a little protection until it gets bigger. Plants may sucker in optimal conditions.
***NOTE: Sassafras is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, both of which are needed to produce fruit. However, our plants are not gendered at this time, and we cannot guarantee any specific gender.
Photo credit: Judy Gallagher (1), John Blair (2-4)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet -- Dry
Height: 30-60 feet
Plant Spacing:
Bloom Time: Early to Mid-sping
Bloom Color: Yellowish green
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite
Host: Cecropia, Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and 24 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
