Scientific Name: Atherosperma moschatum subsp. moschatum

Common Name: sassafras

Family Classification (Clade): Magnoliids

Family: Atherospermataceae

Form Description: Evergreen shrub or conical tree with aromatic bark and leaves and spreading, rather drooping branches.

Height (m): 10 – 25

Flowers: White; male with 12 short, thick stamens; female, less showy with hairy carpels in centre.

Fruit: Dry, a blackish woody knob with feathery styles protruding and gradually decaying.

Municipality
No data available for this species
Plant Communities
RainforestWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

A rainforest tree found also in the understorey of some tall eucalypt forests. Occurs from sea level to the alpine zone where it is an infrequent shrub. Also occupies gullies in drier areas in the east.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Requires sheltered area with constant moisture. Grows slowly. Crushed leaves have a pleasant aroma. Bee attracting. Moderate flammability.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Ripe seed is shed over several months. It has low viability due to a dormancy which occurs soon after seed fall.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed should be sown very soon after collection or after several months storage.

Germination Time

2-3 months

Cutting & Division Information

Easily propagated from cuttings.