Sassafras albidum

Sassafras albidum is a small tree native throughout the southeast and found on a wide variety of sites. It grows best in well-drained, acidic soils; and is drought tolerant. Every part of this plant is fragrant, and that unique smell is one way to easily identify it. The leaves have a beautiful orange fall color. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in early spring and attract pollinators. Blue-black fruits ripen in late summer and feed animals of all sizes- from songbirds to black bears. This plant is an important host for several native moth and butterfly species. Sassafras albidum is great as a specimen tree in a yard, or for restoration plantings.