Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

The Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) tree is native to the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada. It is dioecious; male and female flowers occur on different trees. This tree has female flowers. The flower arrangement is a panicle. Flowers are pollinated by insects; Red Paper Wasps (Polistes carolina) and Ladybeetles were pollinating these flowers.

The flowers develop on bare branches and…

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The blossoms gradually emerge. And then extend as the pedicle (stem) develops and extends.

The first leaf emerges

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The flowers wither as the leaves emerge.

The fruit
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Sassafras albidum (Sassafras)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Zen: Red Paper Wasp On Sassafras