Sassafras

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Common Name(s): Sassafras

Scientific Name: Sassafras albidum

Distribution: Eastern United States

Tree Size: 50-65 ft (15-20 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 31 lbs/ft³ (495 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .42

Hardness: 630 lb_f (2,800 N)

Rupture Strength: 9,000 lb_f/in² (62,070 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 1,120,000 lb_f/in² (7,720 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 6,600 lb_f/in² (45.5 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.0%, Tangential: 6.2%, Volumetric: 10.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Color/Appearance: No data available.

Grain/Pore: No data available.

Endgrain: Ring-porous; large earlywood pores 3-6 rows wide, small latewood pores solitary and radial multiples of 2-4; tyloses common; growth rings distinct; rays visible without lens; parenchyma around latewood pores vasicentric, aliform (winged) and confluent.

Durability: No data available.

Workability: No data available.

Scent: Sassafras has a distinct, spicy scent while being worked.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Sassafras has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions include nausea and respiratory effects. Oil extracted from the roots and wood of Sassafras has been shown to be toxic and carcinogenic. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.