Atherosperma moschatum Black sassafras (Atherospermataceae) Evergreen tree

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Atherosperma moschatum
Black sassafras
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Atherosperma moschatum plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria. It is a member of the Atherospermataceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black sassafras.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Atherosperma moschatum
Common Name:  Black sassafras
Family:  Atherospermataceae
Author:  Labill.

Known Hazards:  The bark contains a potential carcinogen[152]. Another report says that the whole plant might be poisonous[4].

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Temperate rainforests and moist gullies up to the sub-alpine zone[11, 152, 154].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a rich well composted lime-free soil in full sun or semi-shade[200]. Succeeds in acid and neutral soils[184]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, requiring greenhouse treatment in most areas, but they succeed outdoors in a woodland garden in the milder areas of the country[166]. Another report says that plants are fairly hardy when grown in a sheltered position[11]. A tree at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens is 3 metres tall and flowers annually, whilst there are trees 6 metres tall in Cornwall[11]. Plants can tolerate short-lived frosts to about -5°c if they are well sited and sheltered from cold drying winds[200]. Plants come into flower when they are quite young. All parts of the plant are aromatic[184, 245]. The flowers diffuse a sweet perfume whilst the nuts have a musk-like fragrance similar to nutmegs[245]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[184].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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