Doryphora aromatica Plant Care

Doryphora aromatica (F.M.Bailey) L.S.Sm.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Doryphora aromatica, commonly known as sassafras, northern sassafras, northern grey sassafras, net sassafras or grey sassafras, is a species of flowering plant in the Southern Sassafras Family Atherospermataceae and is endemic to north-east Queensland. It is a tree with elliptic or egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, white flowers with 5 stamens and 6 to 8 carpels, and achenes splitting to release feather-like fruits.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Doryphora aromatica?

Plant Doryphora aromatica in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Doryphora aromatica Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Doryphora aromatica?

Doryphora aromatica (Doryphora aromatica) belongs to the Atherospermataceae family within the Doryphora genus. Doryphora aromatica is native to north-east Queensland.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Doryphora aromatica?

Water a young or newly planted Doryphora aromatica 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Doryphora aromatica Need?

Doryphora aromatica thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Doryphora aromatica Prefer?

Doryphora aromatica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Doryphora aromatica prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Doryphora aromatica?

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Doryphora aromatica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Doryphora aromatica?

Feed Doryphora aromatica every 6 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Doryphora aromatica?

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

Doryphora aromatica is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Doryphora aromatica?

Doryphora aromatica 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.

How Do You Prune a Doryphora aromatica?

Prune Doryphora aromatica 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.

How Do You Care for a Doryphora aromatica in Winter?

Doryphora aromatica is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Doryphora aromatica?

Doryphora aromatica can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sassafras plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Doryphora aromatica Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Doryphora aromatica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Doryphora aromatica?

Doryphora aromatica 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Doryphora aromatica Need?

Doryphora aromatica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Doryphora aromatica is native to north-east Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Doryphora aromatica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Doryphora aromatica is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Doryphora genus — compare its care with other Doryphora species on PlantoScan.

Doryphora is part of the Atherospermataceae plant family — browse all Atherospermataceae genera and species.

Doryphora aromatica thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Doryphora aromatica (F.M.Bailey) L.S.Sm., family Atherospermataceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 69: 48 (1958)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Doryphora aromatica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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