Sassafras, Southern Sassafras, Black Sassafras
Atherosperma moschatum
Family: Atherospermataceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows to 45 m tall. Often it has a cone shaped crown with spreading drooping branches. Oil glands in the bark and leaves give a distinctive smell. The bark is white and grey and smooth. The leaves are oval or sword shaped. They taper to a point and have teeth along the edge. Leaves occur in pairs opposite one another. Leaves are green and shiny on top and pale underneath. They are 2-10 cm long by 1.5-2.5 cm wide. The flowers occur on the under side of branches and point downwards. Male and female flowers are often on separate trees. The flowers are 2 cm across. The fruit is dry and black and like a knob.
CAUTION: It has been reported informally that sassafras tea may be associated with colon cancer. It is apparently about 1/16th as cancer causing as normal beer. There is only one Atherospermum species.
Where it is found
A cool temperate plant. It grows in rainforest. It grows in cool, damp valleys. It grows as an understorey tree from sea level to the alpine zone in Tasmania. They are frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The bark is used to flavour drinks. The bark, fresh or dried can be used for tea. The leaves can be used to make tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea, bark - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or stem cuttings. Cuttings can be slow to strike.
It is slow growing. It flowers early in spring.
Its other names
Local names
Plum nutmeg