Common Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Lauraceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
30–60 ft
Spread
49 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Well Drained
Water
Low
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
April to May
Fall Color
Scarlet
Origin
from Maine to Ontario and Michigan, south to Florida and
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Common Sassafras has passed full bloom (800 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (8 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | 708 | May 1-May 31 |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 800 | — |
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | — | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | — | May 15-Jun 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | — | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | — | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
Range: 526–683 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
Sources: USDA Plants Database (seasonal estimate) ; UMD phenology catalog (UMD: extension.umd.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.