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. |