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

Zen: Red Paper Wasp On Sassafras

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) trees have just begun blooming. Red Paper Wasps (Polistes carolina) are out and about now and are eating the nectar and pollinating the flowers.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Identification resources:
- BugGuide: Red Paper Wasp (Polistes Carolina)
- Southeastern Flora: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)