Search Level: Standard
Search Term(s): Sassafras albidum (1 record found)
Search Term(s): Sassafras albidum (1 record found)
LAURACEAE
Sassafras Family
Sassafras Family
Sassafras albidum (common sassafras)
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Synonym
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Carex Section
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Meaning of Scientific Name
Sassafras: from the Spanish name for Saxifrage; albidum: white-ish
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Tree
Phenology (Flowering Period)
April-May
Physiographic Province
☑ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain
County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☑ Sussex
Habitat
Woodlands, edges, old fields
State Status
Common
Piedmont Status
Common
Coastal Plain Status
Common
Global Rank
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Federal Status
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Geographic Affinity
Southern
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern
North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
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Coefficient of Conservatism
2
Invasive
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Invasive Watchlist
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Global Origin (Non-native Species)
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Wildlife Values
Host plant for Papilio troilus (Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly); flowers are an important nectar and pollen source for bees.
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU-
Medicinal Properties
Part used: Root bark. Internally used as tea to aid digestion, flatulence, bloating, chronic skin conditions, arthritis, and as a blood cleanser. Long history of use as a "spring tonic" by Native Americans and as a beverage tea in Appalachia. There are some concerns in the literature that Sassafras is potentially carcinogenic and hepatotoxic.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
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Habitats in which this plant occurs
Ancient Sand Ridge ForestBeach and Dune Habitats (Forests and Woodlands)
Early Successional Shrub/Brush Upland Habitats (Piedmont Old Field)
Early Successional Shrub/Brush Upland Habitats (Coastal Plain Old Field)
Photos
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