Sassafras in autumn

Our young sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) has been a brilliant splash of yellow, and I’ve loved seeing it from the kitchen window. Knowing it would not last much longer, I went out with my camera.

Sassafras Leaves

As is often the case, I was delighted with the details I found when I took a closer look. I was intrigued by the pink leaf stems and veins, and the lovely buds.

Close-up of Sassafras Bud and Leaf Veins

In addition to its autumn color, I appreciate this tree as a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies. The leaves are beginning to drop, but it was great fun to find the buds and I look forward to seeing them expand next spring.

8 thoughts on “Sassafras in autumn”

  1. OK, Sassafras is next on my “to buy” list. I suspect we have some down in our woods – if I could just slide down to find them! Nice pictures. Linda

  2. I didn’t realize that sassafras gets so yellow. Come to think of it, I also didn’t realize that you have a sassafras. Is this a new addition?

    1. Ann, I’ve seen them in a variety of colors. I’ll be interested to see if this one does the same next year. I think I planted it four years ago.

  3. Thanks for the beautiful photo. I had a surprise growing under my large maple tree, the birds must have brought me a sassafras tree seed? I did not plant a sassafras. They are beautiful. Mine is now about 4ft. tall.

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