Get to know this plant.
Identification clue 1
Three leaf outlines on one tree
Identification clue 2
Unlobed, mitten, and three-lobed leaves
Identification clue 3
Blue fruits on red stalks
Read the leaves
Inspect a whole branch: unlobed, one-thumb mitten, and three-lobed blades may grow together. Margins are smooth.
More growing details
Read the bark
Older bark becomes deeply furrowed and reddish-brown.
Fruit & seed
Dark blue drupes on red stalks occur on female trees.
Winter character
Greenish twigs and stout buds support identification; record leaf shapes in summer for return visits.
Origin & place
The species occurs naturally in the southern Appalachian region; a planted specimen is not evidence of wild local origin.
Compare with Mulberries
Mulberries can also vary in lobing but usually have toothed leaf edges; sassafras edges are smooth.
WNC Notes
Excellent native color and wildlife tree; allow naturalistic suckering and transplant young.
Sun Exposure
Full sun–part shade
MATURE HEIGHT (FT)
30–60
MATURE WIDTH (FT)
25–40
BLOOM SEASON
Early spring
BLOOM COLOR
Yellow-green
FALL / WINTER COLOR
Orange-red-purple
Wet-Soil Tolerance
High
Drought Tolerance
Low