Sassafras


Name Sassafras (sassafras albidum)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as red sassafras, saxifrax, and cinnamon wood.
Sources Grows in Ontario and eastern half of United States.
Appearance Straight, coarse grained with coarse texture and medium luster. Yellowish white sapwood and pale brown heartwood, deepening to dull orange-brown with exposure. Resembles black ash.
Physical Props Somewhat light, soft, brittle, and relatively weak, with good decay resistance and dimensional stability in use.
Working Props Works well with machine or hand tools. Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails. Glues, stains, and finishes satisfactorily.
Uses Used for inexpensive furniture, boxes, crates, small boats, fenceposts (due to decay resistance), rails, cooperage, and general millwork.
Comments Most sassafras trees are too small to yield significant quantities of lumber.