Sassafras Trees: An Interesting Native

by Bailey Sons – November 13, 2018

The sassafras tree is native to North America and East Asia. This deciduous tree often grows naturally in the woods and open fields. A mature sassafras tree can reach between 20 to 60 feet in height or more and 25 to 40 feet in width. Regarding soil requirements, the sassafras tree can grow in various soils. However, it grows best in acidic soil that is sandy and well-drained.

The sassafras tree can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9 and is considered resistant to drought. The growth rate is considered medium to fast-growing, with trees growing between 13 inches to 24 inches or more within a year. Some plants have grown over 15 feet in 4 years. In terms of lighting requirements, the sassafras tree grows best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. With the ideal growing environment, the sassafras tree can survive over 1,000 years in the wild.

Sassafras plant

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In the spring, the sassafras tree blooms with clusters of yellow flowers. These yellow flowers are 1 to 2 inches long and can be up to a half-inch in diameter. After a few days, the flowers are replaced by bright green leaves. The leaves can grow to be 3 to 7 inches long at full maturity. A sassafras tree produces three types of leaves simultaneously. It produces oval-shaped leaves, three-lobe leaves, as well as mitten-shaped leaves.

It should be noted that the mitten-shaped leaves can be either left or right-handed. The edges of the leaves are smooth. The leaves turn a spectrum of colors in the fall, including yellow, orange, scarlet, and sometimes purple. It also may acquire half-inch dark blue fruit in the fall. The whole leaves form a light-blocking canopy. The bark of the sassafras tree is green and smooth when it is young and may become more orange or brown as it ages. It’s important to note that the plant can be trained as a single trunk tree or a bushy thicket. When it is young, the sassafras tree generally has a shrub with a central trunk and smaller saplings surrounding it. As the plant matures, it will form a defined tree shape with one distinct trunk. The tree forms wide, with a flat top.

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Add character with the Sassafras tree

It should also be noted that sassafras trees are also known for their fragrant smell, similar to root beer. While this odor is mild in the spring when the flowers bloom, it becomes more prominent throughout summer. Regarding landscaping uses, sassafras can be considered ornamental trees and shade trees.

Sassafras trees are commonly used on the ornamental side for their spectrum of fall colors and unique appearance. They are also frequently used for the aroma they introduce to a garden or yard. The sassafras tree can also be used as a shade tree in a backyard. However, it should be planted 20 feet away from houses and buildings, as the tree tends to grow wide and tall if trained to grow as a single-trunk tree.

These backyard trees are commonly used for shade and can be placed near entertainment or outdoor seating areas. In addition, sassafras trees are often planted to attract wildlife. Animals such as deer enjoy eating the leaves and branches of the tree. Birds such as turkeys, quail, woodpeckers, and squirrels are attracted to the plant's fruit in the fall. Rabbits also enjoy the bark of the tree. Sassafras trees are also commonly used in parks or public areas for shade.

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Sassafras Tree - TN Nursery

Sassafras Tree

The Sassafras Tree is native to eastern North America. It is known for its distinctive mitten-shaped leaves, fragrant bark, and beautiful Autumn foliage. When integrated into landscaping designs, the sassafras tree offers a unique blend of aesthetic, ecological, and functional benefits. With its distinctive foliage, wildlife attractions, and historical significance, it adds a touch of diversity and character to outdoor spaces. The Sassafras Tree is a stunning addition to your front yard or backyard thanks to its individualized look, unique combination of fragrances, and confident height. As a deciduous type, the leaves fall at the end of autumn and return with buds in early spring. With its unique benefits, this species is often a desirable and gorgeous addition to a landscaping design. Sassafras Tree (Sassafras albidum) Provides Excellent Shade This impressive species grows to 50 feet or more and has a 51-foot crown spread at maturity. When conditions are ideal, you can expect growth up to four feet per year for the first ten years and slower growth afterward. Because of its size and fast growth rate, homeowners benefit from ample shade in their yards within only a few years of planting the seedlings. Sassafras Tree Has Fascinating Leaves In the fall, their leaves brighten with bold colors, including burgundy, scarlet, orange, and yellow hues that celebrate the season. While many species have one standard type of leaves, this species comes with three different leaf types that all grow on the same limbs and branches for a standout look. These include mitten-shaped, standard, and two-lobed leaves, all with a rich, green hue. Sassafras Tree Has A Pleasant Smell When the leaves fall to the ground in the fall months, the Sassafras Tree produces a spicy, pleasant smell when they dry out and are crunched under your feet, adding to the autumn experience. In addition, the brown, deeply textured bark has a light lemon scent that is emitted only when scratched or disturbed. These unique smells set it apart from other species you may consider for your yard. In early spring, they sprout bud pods that reveal clusters of small, yellow flowers. These flowers attract birds and pollinating insects, such as flies and bees, to benefit your other plants. Toward the end of summer, pollinated flowers transform into berry-like features, turning dark blue or black to add another dimension of color to your yard. Sassafras Trees Are A Favorite For Fall Foliage 
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25 Colorful Wildflowers - Mixture Selected For Your Zone - TN Nursery

25 Colorful Wildflowers - Colorful Selections Selected Perfectly For Your Zone

With our exquisite selection of Colorful Wildflowers, enter a world of untouched beauty and wonder. These beautiful plants can transform your garden into a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, creating a haven for pollinators, wildlife, and yourself. Bring nature a little closer with colorful wildflowers. Perfect for cozy cottages and professional landscapers, this blend of plants is ready to stand out. Brighten Your Garden Year-Round with Colorful Wildflower Perennials This assortment showcases nature's endless energy in a convenient package. The more, the merrier; this collection removes the headache of picking and buying individual plants. These gorgeous flowers will boost your creative vision for a knock-out display and beautiful bouquets. Landscaping Benefits Of Colorful Wildflowers A mix of different plants keeps maintenance simple through the growing season. Since all 25 species won’t bloom simultaneously, one planting can create a wave of alternating colors that don’t require frequent replacement over the spring and summer. This helps prevent bare patches or drab beds professionals may need to fill with other plants. Our Colorful Wildflowers Can Do Well Anywhere While these flowers look beautiful in formal gardens, few plants fit the popular cottage core aesthetic like the mix in this package. The vibrant range introduces whimsy and charm to any outdoor space, whether formal beds, large planters, or informal plots. This is a beautiful option for new enthusiasts or experienced gardeners seeking exuberant variety to bring their cottage core dreams to life. These blooms are perfect for the gardener who wants more guests to visit. Not only do the flowers create a warm and welcoming environment for human visitors, but they are fantastic draws for pollinators. A flower bed is one of the best ways to entice nature a little closer to home. This collection may help support local bees and help butterflies enjoy them. As the Colorful Wildflowers turn to seeds, take up bird watching. Dedicated birding enthusiasts can pair this pack with other bird-friendly features like a birdbath to encourage more traffic—plant near a window for the best views. Celebrate with colors, and add a touch of the wild to this year’s garden design. This mix takes the guesswork out of selection; its variety keeps things interesting, and there’s nothing as classic as a fragrant collection of nature’s favorites. Enjoy An Array Of Colors With This 25 Colorful Wildflower Collection
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Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them. How long does pure maple sugar last?  Pure maple sugar has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is kept in a cool, dry place and stored in a nonporous container.  What is the difference between a sugar maple tree and a regular maple tree?  Sugar maple has its name from the sweet sap used to produce maple syrup and brilliant fall colors. It has smooth, free bark, especially when young, and matures at a slower pace into fine-graded dense wood compared to the others.  Where do sugar maples grow best?  In soil characteristics, an ideal location for sugar maple is well-drained, fertile, and with organic matter. It favors shaded, humid conditions and is found in the climate of the Northern Territories USDA zones 3-8, in forest and country regions.  Are sugar maples edible?  Yes, some type of sugar maple sap is edible and is used for making pure maple syrup. Moreover, fresh young leaves of sugar maple trees or plants are consumed either raw or cooked in moderation.  What is the best fertilizer for sugar maples?  A slow-release fertilizer that is best used for sugar maples is one with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium combination, such as 10-10-10. It is best used at the start of spring so as to encourage appropriate growth and impressive foliage.
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Sourwood Tree - TN Nursery

Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its long panicles of fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers and vibrant red fall foliage. Among garden trees, the Sourwood Tree fits the bill. It grows around 25 feet tall, and its branches generally spread to 10 feet. It will become a stalwart focal point in any garden. These plants are stately enough to please the eye yet small enough not to overpower any perennials planted around them. Another name for this plant is the sorrel. Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) Has Beautiful Blooms They say, "Good things come to those who wait." That is true of this plant. Beginning with its fifth season after being planted, it will sprout gorgeous white flowers throughout June and July every year. These bell-shaped flowers grow on panicles in a flowing, attractive fashion that has led them to be called "angel fingers." The flowers are also sweet-smelling, producing so much nectar during their blooming that it drips from the branches at the slightest shake. The Leaves of Sourwood Tree Are Rich and Colorful The leaves will turn brilliant colors in the fall, notably red and deep purple. The bark is reddish brown and is attractively furrowed, matching the hues of the changing leaves. The leaves are pleasantly aromatic, reminiscent of the smell of honey from the tree's nectar. The wonderful aroma is balanced between astringency, which gives the plant its name, and the sweetness of anise. The leaves are oblong and finely tapered, and the surface is glossy enough to reflect sunlight attractively. After the blooms fade at the beginning of August, pretty silvery capsules form along the branches. The color of these capsules meshes nicely with the changing leaves and the furrowed bark into winter. Because the sorrel is a slow-growing plant, its wood and bark are solid and sturdy, providing a beautiful sight in all four seasons. Attract Pollinators With Sourwood Tree Pollinators, especially bees, love the flowers of Sourwood Tree, the sweet-and-sour nectar that produces the world's most excellent honey. Birds will also fly among the branches for a snack as autumn turns to winter. As the sorrel is mainly unaffected by pests or disease, it will likely remain a pleasing focal point in any garden for many years. Where Do Sourwood Trees Grow The Best Sourwood trees prefer soil that is well drained, and is acidic in nature with the ability to grow in a full sun to part shade. It is a species of the southeastern United States but performs well in other climates similar to those of the southern part of the United States.  What are the characteristics of sourwood leaves?  Sourwood leaves are smooth, slightly glossy, dark green and are of lanceolate shape. In the late season, this plant becomes bright red, orange, and purple and gives a beautiful view in the whole season of autumn.  What Are The Benefits Of The Sourwood Tree  Its autumn foliage colors are splendid; it has a bunch of white flowers in summer and a smooth white or grayish-mottled bark in winter. They also collect excellent, tasty and highly sought after sourwood honey by beekeepers.  How do you identify sourwood tree bark?  The outer, thick, fully developed layer of a sourwood tree is gray to reddish-brown in color, with deep and well-spaced furrows with a crenelated surface. What Type Of Fertilizer Is Favorable For The Sourwood Trees  Sourwood trees should be fertilized using a slow-release fertilizer. Spray in the early spring to ensure the plants gain good growth and develop a strong stem.

$26.99
$26.99
Sassafras Tree - TN Nursery

Sassafras Tree

The Sassafras Tree is native to eastern North America. It is known for its distinctive mitten-shaped leaves, fragrant bark, and beautiful Autumn foliage. When integrated into landscaping designs, the sassafras tree offers a unique blend of aesthetic, ecological, and functional benefits. With its distinctive foliage, wildlife attractions, and historical significance, it adds a touch of diversity and character to outdoor spaces. The Sassafras Tree is a stunning addition to your front yard or backyard thanks to its individualized look, unique combination of fragrances, and confident height. As a deciduous type, the leaves fall at the end of autumn and return with buds in early spring. With its unique benefits, this species is often a desirable and gorgeous addition to a landscaping design. Sassafras Tree (Sassafras albidum) Provides Excellent Shade This impressive species grows to 50 feet or more and has a 51-foot crown spread at maturity. When conditions are ideal, you can expect growth up to four feet per year for the first ten years and slower growth afterward. Because of its size and fast growth rate, homeowners benefit from ample shade in their yards within only a few years of planting the seedlings. Sassafras Tree Has Fascinating Leaves In the fall, their leaves brighten with bold colors, including burgundy, scarlet, orange, and yellow hues that celebrate the season. While many species have one standard type of leaves, this species comes with three different leaf types that all grow on the same limbs and branches for a standout look. These include mitten-shaped, standard, and two-lobed leaves, all with a rich, green hue. Sassafras Tree Has A Pleasant Smell When the leaves fall to the ground in the fall months, the Sassafras Tree produces a spicy, pleasant smell when they dry out and are crunched under your feet, adding to the autumn experience. In addition, the brown, deeply textured bark has a light lemon scent that is emitted only when scratched or disturbed. These unique smells set it apart from other species you may consider for your yard. In early spring, they sprout bud pods that reveal clusters of small, yellow flowers. These flowers attract birds and pollinating insects, such as flies and bees, to benefit your other plants. Toward the end of summer, pollinated flowers transform into berry-like features, turning dark blue or black to add another dimension of color to your yard. Sassafras Trees Are A Favorite For Fall Foliage 
$26.99
$26.99
25 Colorful Wildflowers - Mixture Selected For Your Zone - TN Nursery

25 Colorful Wildflowers - Colorful Selections Selected Perfectly For Your Zone

With our exquisite selection of Colorful Wildflowers, enter a world of untouched beauty and wonder. These beautiful plants can transform your garden into a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, creating a haven for pollinators, wildlife, and yourself. Bring nature a little closer with colorful wildflowers. Perfect for cozy cottages and professional landscapers, this blend of plants is ready to stand out. Brighten Your Garden Year-Round with Colorful Wildflower Perennials This assortment showcases nature's endless energy in a convenient package. The more, the merrier; this collection removes the headache of picking and buying individual plants. These gorgeous flowers will boost your creative vision for a knock-out display and beautiful bouquets. Landscaping Benefits Of Colorful Wildflowers A mix of different plants keeps maintenance simple through the growing season. Since all 25 species won’t bloom simultaneously, one planting can create a wave of alternating colors that don’t require frequent replacement over the spring and summer. This helps prevent bare patches or drab beds professionals may need to fill with other plants. Our Colorful Wildflowers Can Do Well Anywhere While these flowers look beautiful in formal gardens, few plants fit the popular cottage core aesthetic like the mix in this package. The vibrant range introduces whimsy and charm to any outdoor space, whether formal beds, large planters, or informal plots. This is a beautiful option for new enthusiasts or experienced gardeners seeking exuberant variety to bring their cottage core dreams to life. These blooms are perfect for the gardener who wants more guests to visit. Not only do the flowers create a warm and welcoming environment for human visitors, but they are fantastic draws for pollinators. A flower bed is one of the best ways to entice nature a little closer to home. This collection may help support local bees and help butterflies enjoy them. As the Colorful Wildflowers turn to seeds, take up bird watching. Dedicated birding enthusiasts can pair this pack with other bird-friendly features like a birdbath to encourage more traffic—plant near a window for the best views. Celebrate with colors, and add a touch of the wild to this year’s garden design. This mix takes the guesswork out of selection; its variety keeps things interesting, and there’s nothing as classic as a fragrant collection of nature’s favorites. Enjoy An Array Of Colors With This 25 Colorful Wildflower Collection
$46.99
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Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them. How long does pure maple sugar last?  Pure maple sugar has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is kept in a cool, dry place and stored in a nonporous container.  What is the difference between a sugar maple tree and a regular maple tree?  Sugar maple has its name from the sweet sap used to produce maple syrup and brilliant fall colors. It has smooth, free bark, especially when young, and matures at a slower pace into fine-graded dense wood compared to the others.  Where do sugar maples grow best?  In soil characteristics, an ideal location for sugar maple is well-drained, fertile, and with organic matter. It favors shaded, humid conditions and is found in the climate of the Northern Territories USDA zones 3-8, in forest and country regions.  Are sugar maples edible?  Yes, some type of sugar maple sap is edible and is used for making pure maple syrup. Moreover, fresh young leaves of sugar maple trees or plants are consumed either raw or cooked in moderation.  What is the best fertilizer for sugar maples?  A slow-release fertilizer that is best used for sugar maples is one with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium combination, such as 10-10-10. It is best used at the start of spring so as to encourage appropriate growth and impressive foliage.
$26.99
$26.99
Sourwood Tree - TN Nursery

Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its long panicles of fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers and vibrant red fall foliage. Among garden trees, the Sourwood Tree fits the bill. It grows around 25 feet tall, and its branches generally spread to 10 feet. It will become a stalwart focal point in any garden. These plants are stately enough to please the eye yet small enough not to overpower any perennials planted around them. Another name for this plant is the sorrel. Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) Has Beautiful Blooms They say, "Good things come to those who wait." That is true of this plant. Beginning with its fifth season after being planted, it will sprout gorgeous white flowers throughout June and July every year. These bell-shaped flowers grow on panicles in a flowing, attractive fashion that has led them to be called "angel fingers." The flowers are also sweet-smelling, producing so much nectar during their blooming that it drips from the branches at the slightest shake. The Leaves of Sourwood Tree Are Rich and Colorful The leaves will turn brilliant colors in the fall, notably red and deep purple. The bark is reddish brown and is attractively furrowed, matching the hues of the changing leaves. The leaves are pleasantly aromatic, reminiscent of the smell of honey from the tree's nectar. The wonderful aroma is balanced between astringency, which gives the plant its name, and the sweetness of anise. The leaves are oblong and finely tapered, and the surface is glossy enough to reflect sunlight attractively. After the blooms fade at the beginning of August, pretty silvery capsules form along the branches. The color of these capsules meshes nicely with the changing leaves and the furrowed bark into winter. Because the sorrel is a slow-growing plant, its wood and bark are solid and sturdy, providing a beautiful sight in all four seasons. Attract Pollinators With Sourwood Tree Pollinators, especially bees, love the flowers of Sourwood Tree, the sweet-and-sour nectar that produces the world's most excellent honey. Birds will also fly among the branches for a snack as autumn turns to winter. As the sorrel is mainly unaffected by pests or disease, it will likely remain a pleasing focal point in any garden for many years. Where Do Sourwood Trees Grow The Best Sourwood trees prefer soil that is well drained, and is acidic in nature with the ability to grow in a full sun to part shade. It is a species of the southeastern United States but performs well in other climates similar to those of the southern part of the United States.  What are the characteristics of sourwood leaves?  Sourwood leaves are smooth, slightly glossy, dark green and are of lanceolate shape. In the late season, this plant becomes bright red, orange, and purple and gives a beautiful view in the whole season of autumn.  What Are The Benefits Of The Sourwood Tree  Its autumn foliage colors are splendid; it has a bunch of white flowers in summer and a smooth white or grayish-mottled bark in winter. They also collect excellent, tasty and highly sought after sourwood honey by beekeepers.  How do you identify sourwood tree bark?  The outer, thick, fully developed layer of a sourwood tree is gray to reddish-brown in color, with deep and well-spaced furrows with a crenelated surface. What Type Of Fertilizer Is Favorable For The Sourwood Trees  Sourwood trees should be fertilized using a slow-release fertilizer. Spray in the early spring to ensure the plants gain good growth and develop a strong stem.

$26.99
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