Plant Description:
Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst., also known as Sassafras, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet in height and can live up to 200 years. It is native to eastern North America and can be found from southern Maine to Florida, and west to eastern Texas. Its common names include Sassafras, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood, and Mitten Tree.
Appearance:
The tree has a distinctive appearance with its green leaves that are mitten-shaped, with the typical shape of a left and right “hand”. The tree’s trunk is straight and topped with a crown. Its bark is smooth, thin, and orange-brown in color with occasional ridges and fissures. The tree produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers in early spring that give way to green fruit that ripen to dark blue in fall. The fruit is a small, hard nut that is surrounded by a fleshy, edible, dark blue berry.
Uses:
Sassafras has long been used for various medicinal purposes, including treatments for rheumatism, fever, wounds, and infections. The leaves, bark, and roots of the tree contain chemicals called safrole and eugenol, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The tree’s oily roots were also used to make root beer and tea. In addition, Sassafras wood is used for making furniture, fence posts, and wood flooring. The tree is also used in landscaping as an ornamental tree because of its unique appearance.
Light Requirements
Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst. is known for its ability to thrive in full sun to partial shade. In shaded conditions, the plant may grow taller but with less dense foliage. On the other hand, when grown in full sunlight, the plant develops more robust growth with lush foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a temperate climate with an average temperature range between 65°F -85°F. It is known to tolerate hot weather conditions with adequate moisture but might struggle in prolonged droughts or periods of low humidity. On the other hand, the plant is quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F.
Soil Requirements
Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst. grows best in rich, loamy soils that are well-drained and retain moisture. The plant can tolerate acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. However, excessively sandy soils may cause the plant to dry out too quickly, leading to stunted growth. Additionally, the plant is tolerant of occasional flooding and can grow near riverbanks or in wetlands.
Cultivation of Sassafras sassafras
Sassafras sassafras is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, acidic soils. You can grow it from seed or from root cuttings.
Watering Needs
Sassafras sassafras has moderate water needs. It can tolerate some drought conditions, but it also doesn't like to sit in water. So, water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but don't let it become waterlogged.
Fertilization
If the soil is nutrient-poor, you can fertilize Sassafras sassafras with a balanced N-P-K fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may not have enough time to harden off before winter.
Pruning
Sassafras sassafras doesn't require a lot of pruning, but you can prune it to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can also prune to control the size of the plant, but do so sparingly, as too much pruning can cause the plant to produce lots of new growth, which isn't always desirable.
Propagation of Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst.
The propagation of Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst can be done by seed or by root cuttings. Both methods yield good results and can be done by a novice gardener.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most widely used method for Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst. The best time to sow seeds is in the fall, because they need to go through a period of cold stratification before they will germinate. The ideal temperature for germination of Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst seeds is between 20-25°C.
Seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1-2 cm in well-draining soil. Germination may take anywhere from 30-90 days, so be patient. Once the seedling has reached a height of 10-15 cm, it can be transplanted.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Propagation by root cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst. This method requires that you take a root cutting from an existing tree in the winter when the tree is dormant.
The cutting should be around 12-15 cm in length and at least 1 cm in diameter. The cutting should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted.
Disease Management
Sassafras sassafras (L.) Karst. is susceptible to several fungal diseases that may affect its health. The most common disease that affects the plant is the sassafras wilt disease, caused by the soil-borne fungus, Phytophthora cinnamomi. The symptoms of the disease include wilting and yellowing leaves, defoliation, and stunted growth. The best way to manage the sassafras wilt disease is by planting resistant cultivars. It is also crucial to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering to minimize the conditions that favor the growth of the fungus.
The sassafras tree is also susceptible to the leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Ophiodiicella sassafras. The symptoms of this disease include small brown spots on the leaves that eventually become circular and coalesce to form larger necrotic areas. Managing the disease involves applying fungicides to prevent the disease's spread to other parts of the plant. Furthermore, it is crucial to remove any fallen leaves from the ground around the plant to reduce the chances of reinfection.
Pest Management
The sassafras tree is susceptible to insect pests such as scales, mites, and the sassafras weevil. The sassafras weevil feeds on the tree's cambium layer, leading to wilting, yellowing leaves, and weakened trunk. Managing the sassafras weevil involves pruning and removing affected branches and applying insecticides to prevent further infestation. The scales and mites are relatively easy to control using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, which can be applied directly to the affected plant parts. It is also essential to ensure proper hygiene practices, such as removing any fallen leaves or debris around the plant to minimize the chances of infestation.
