Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Sassafras identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Sassafras, Sassafras albidum, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with lobes. Fragrant, smooth-edged leaves 3 to 6 inches long in three shapes, often on the same tree: unlobed, two-lobed like a mitten, and three-lobed. Bark: Brown with cinnamon-colored inner bark and coarse ridges; spicy smell when cut. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify sassafras
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with lobes |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Fragrant, smooth-edged leaves 3 to 6 inches long in three shapes, often on the same tree: unlobed, two-lobed like a mitten, and three-lobed. |
| Bark | Brown with cinnamon-colored inner bark and coarse ridges; spicy smell when cut. |
| Fruit | Shiny dark blue fruit about 1/3 inch long, each held in a red cup on a red stalk, late summer. |
| Twigs | Slender green twigs with a spicy-sweet smell when broken. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 60 feet, often with a crooked trunk and a flat-topped crown. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is sassafras native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists sassafras as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like sassafras
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Leaves 4 to 7 inches long with very fine teeth; chew one and it tastes sour. |
| Black gum Nyssa sylvatica | Alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges. Glossy smooth-edged leaves 3 to 5 inches long, widest near the tip, sometimes with a few coarse teeth or shallow lobes near the end. |
| Common persimmon Diospyros virginiana | Alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges. Glossy, smooth-edged oval leaves 2 1/2 to 5 inches long, paler underneath. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify sassafras?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with lobes. Fragrant, smooth-edged leaves 3 to 6 inches long in three shapes, often on the same tree: unlobed, two-lobed like a mitten, and three-lobed. Bark: Brown with cinnamon-colored inner bark and coarse ridges; spicy smell when cut.
Is sassafras native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists sassafras as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does sassafras get?
Up to about 60 feet, often with a crooked trunk and a flat-topped crown.
How can you tell sassafras in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender green twigs with a spicy-sweet smell when broken. Bark: Brown with cinnamon-colored inner bark and coarse ridges; spicy smell when cut.
What tree looks like sassafras?
Sourwood, Black gum, Common persimmon. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Sassafras albidum fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
Muthler Landscaping & Construction · Lock Haven, PA
Building near a tree?
Planning a patio, wall or planting bed near a tree? We build them from Lock Haven to State College and Williamsport. Outside central PA? Groundwork Single Space ($349) is a scaled 2D plan of one area with plants matched to your hardiness zone, designed remotely.
Get a quoteSee landscape designAlso: Pennsylvania tree identification, tree database, tree planting distance guide, Pennsylvania neighbor tree law.
Muthler Landscaping & Construction LLC · 913 Bellefonte Ave, Lock Haven, PA 17745 · (570) 397-9800 · PA HIC #PA212584. Call 811 before you dig.