Sassafras albidum
Sassafras

Mature Height: 35-100'     Longevity: 700 years

1-5 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
1: All references indicate presence in dry uplands in subxeric to submesic areas. NRCS Plants database lists drought tolerance as "High."

5: Does not tolerate high levels of moisture. Fire Effects (FEIS) database indicates tree does not even tolerate poorly drained soils. Mesic typically reported as wettest type of soils. Hydric rating is FACU to FACU-

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ limited Z9 occurrence in FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

6   Sun Strength

3   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
5 = moderate
+.7 = Pioneer Specialist
+.1 = 2 Major & 1 Minor
0 = ???
+.4 = Yes
-.1 = 50'
0 = 100'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
2.5 = intolerant
-.4 = Pioneer Specialist
+.1 = 2 Major & 1 Minor
0 = ???
+.8 = Yes
-.1 = 50'
+.5 = 1,000 years

TOTAL SCORE (6.1): Not a particularly fast grower but a frequent pioneer of poor sites. Typically takes advantage of canopy gaps in forests to outgrow more shade loving & slower growing trees.

TOTAL SCORE (3.4): Sassafras appears to rely on disturbance to maintain its presence. Allelopathy & very long life boost strength.

3   Fire Strength

2   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: low-mid (Big Tree) = 3-4
In some areas a big tree & in other areas only a shrub. Fire Effects (FEIS) database does report some fire resistance & tree generally needs disturbance such as fire or windthrow to establish itself. Will assign a 3.
Final Value = 3

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Very weak & brittle wood is prone to breakage. Lowest value not assigned as tree is not very tall in some areas.
Final Value = 2