Sassafras albidum (Nuttall) Nees. Sassafras, Ague-tree, Sassafrax. Phen: Mar-Apr; Jun-Jul. Hab: A wide variety of forests, old fields, disturbed areas, fencerows. Dist: S. ME, s. ON, MI, and s. WI, south to c. peninsular FL, s. AL, s. MS, and se. TX.

ID notes:The fall color is dull orange.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Other Comments: The original source of ‘root beer’.

Synonymy: = Ar, C, Fl2, FNA3, G, GrPl, K1, K3, K4, Mi, NcTx, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WH3; = Laurus sassafras L.; = Sassafras officinale Nees & Ebermaler; = Sassafras sassafras (L.) H.Karst. – S13; > Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees var. albidum – F, Il, Tx, WV; > Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees var. molle (Raf.) Fernald – F, Il, Tx, WV

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
• Great Plains: FACU
• Midwest: FACU
• Northcentral & Northeast: FACU

Heliophily: 5