Tell me about Sassafras

[g squared 23]

I have questions about Sassafras. What do you all do with it? It seems like I get a lot of it along field edges and regrowth areas, and initially it makes everything quite thick and "brushy". But the "greenbrush" does eventually grow into what I feel are useless trees and everything thins out.

So what should I do with these spots? Clearcut every few years? Cut and spray and plant something else?

Is there any benefit to wildlife?

Appreciate any input, this is not a tree I hear talked about, good or bad.


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[Bowsnbucks]

I see a fair amount of it here in Pa. Same as you, I see it around edges & fence rows. I believe deer browse it when in reach, although I don't know the preference level. In the fall, it gets brilliantly colored in reds, oranges and yellows. I'd try cutting it back every few years to keep it low enough for deer and less of a threat to crowd preferred hardwoods. I'm gonna have to look into this one - you have me curious. I like it for the fall colors alone !!

 

[MickT]

My experience in TN is it’s pretty low on the menu. But there are worse things you can have, so I get rid of it when it’s growing next to something better but don’t go out of my way otherwise.


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[Charles Clear]

I have seen many bucks rub it, the roots make a great tea too. I like to break off a piece and smell it, I love the fragrance. Otherwise, I don't think it has a huge benefit

 

[chickenlittle]

Stump sprouts on the edge of our woods get browsed.

 

[NE PA QDM]

High on the list of preferred deer browse
Impossible to safely/effectively hinge cut but it stump sprouts like crazy so just cut it off a foot or three above the ground to create good regen/browse.
Lots of shade when larger. I think they are best cut down (at least in our area)

 

[chickenlittle]

Good point about hinging danger. Likes to snap, not bend.

 

[blueKYstream]

As mentioned earlier, the roots are often used for a wide variety of reasons. Kentucky State Parks put out a publication on this tree that states:

The tree produces blueberry-like fruit that ripens in September and October. The fruit is eaten by deer, turkey and many species of birds. The roots, twigs and bark are very aromatic and produce oil called safrole. When boiled, it produces a Spring tonic known as “Sassafras Tea”. In fact, the first flavoring for root beer came from the Sassafras Tree. The FDA banned the use of safrole claiming it was carcinogenic, however, one 12 ounce can of beer is more carcinogenic than an old-fashioned can of root beer. The tree can reach a height of 50 feet.

 

[Tap]

Around me, young sassafras gets light browsing but when a mature sass is cut and put on the ground during the winter, the deer absolutely go nuts over it.
Yep, don't try to hinge it. It's brittle. Just cut it when you want to supply a boost to the supply of natural winter browse.

It's not high in lumber value, but one of the most beautiful kitchen cabinets I've seen were from sassafras.

I don't mind having sassafras around. It's a lot like other "junk" trees in that it gets light use when young but the browse of a mature tree is preferred. You just have to cut it down to put it within browsing reach.

I will say this, we have so many tree species that have some sort of pest or disease. Ash are dying by the millions because of ash borer. Oak wilt is an issue for some. Beech have something happening to them...we saw a bunch in Ohio with black crap all over them. Blue spruce is being wiped out. Hemlock isn't doing well either. My Doug fir are are dying.
I wouldn't be too quick to clear cut ANY species right now. Seems like suitable trees for stands are getting less common.
I'd save a few mature sassafras trees. They might end up being one of the few remaining healthy species you might have.

 

[g squared 23]

Around me, young sassafras gets light browsing but when a mature sass is cut and put on the ground during the winter, the deer absolutely go nuts over it.
Yep, don't try to hinge it. It's brittle. Just cut it when you want to supply a boost to the supply of natural winter browse.

It's not high in lumber value, but one of the most beautiful kitchen cabinets I've seen were from sassafras.

I don't mind having sassafras around. It's a lot like other "junk" trees in that it gets light use when young but the browse of a mature tree is preferred. You just have to cut it down to put it within browsing reach.

I will say this, we have so many tree species that have some sort of pest or disease. Ash are dying by the millions because of ash borer. Oak wilt is an issue for some. Beech have something happening to them...we saw a bunch in Ohio with black crap all over them. Blue spruce is being wiped out. Hemlock isn't doing well either. My Doug fir are are dying.
I wouldn't be too quick to clear cut ANY species right now. Seems like suitable trees for stands are getting less common.
I'd save a few mature sassafras trees. They might end up being one of the few remaining healthy species you might have.

You make good points. It's a native that is fairly easy to control or set back, so it doesn't need to be eradicated. But it's also not anything special, so if I have a bunch in an area that I'd like to put something else, I can knock it back and plug in whatever my scheming produces.


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[j-bird]

I don't have it at my place, but my folk's place is covered in it. My father claims that if you cut one 100 come to the funeral! They are native here and seem to prefer a clay based soil. They certainly like the sunlight, but younger ones can be cut back to contain them if so desired. I am not aware of any true wildlife value to them (either for mast or a serious browse plant). I know some folks dig the roots for sassafras tea...... I would keep some just for the diversity factor, but if you have a lot and would like to do something else with a space that they occupy, I would not loose any sleep over it.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Sassafras trees have dark blue berry-like drupes that birds of all sorts like to eat. Twigs and leaves are browsed if they are within reach of deer.

 

[Persimman]

Around here bears will climb and break down sassafras to get the berries. Sassafras don't compete with the oaks/hickories. As they decline and die they draw lots of woodpecker activity. Certainly not a nuisance tree.