Southern Sassafras Plant Care

Southern Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum subsp. integrifolium) belongs to the Atherospermataceae family within the Atherosperma genus. Southern Sassafras is native to New South Wales. Southern Sassafras is also known as Tasmanian Sassafras.

Southern Sassafras displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Southern Sassafras produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Southern Sassafras every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Southern Sassafras thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Southern Sassafras in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Atherosperma moschatum subsp. integrifolium tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Southern Sassafras prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Southern Sassafras to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Southern Sassafras every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Southern Sassafras is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Southern Sassafras can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Southern Sassafras while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Southern Sassafras is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Southern Sassafras can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to australian hazel plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Southern Sassafras is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Southern Sassafras grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Southern Sassafras is native to New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Southern Sassafras as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.