Quick answer: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is native to 22 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Randy Everette, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Moist |
| Soil | Rich, moist, sandy loams, acidic pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 35-50 ft, up to 100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds and butterflies, fruit for birds, larval host for swallowtail butterflies and Promethea silkmoth |
Bark: low toxicity if ingested; weak carcinogen in experimental animals. Toxic principle: safrole
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Sassafras
Where is Sassafras native?
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is native to 22 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sassafras bloom?
Sassafras blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sassafras need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Moist. Soil: Rich, moist, sandy loams, acidic pH. Mature height: 35-50 ft, up to 100 ft.
Is Sassafras good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds and butterflies, fruit for birds, larval host for swallowtail butterflies and Promethea silkmoth.
Is Sassafras deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sassafras is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Sassafras toxic?
Bark: low toxicity if ingested; weak carcinogen in experimental animals. Toxic principle: safrole.
Where can I buy real Sassafras seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Sassafras albidum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sassafras.
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
Also listed under
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