Sassafras
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: plantae
Division: spermatophytes (seed plants)
Subdivision: angiosperm {(covered seed),hardwoods}
Order: laurales
Family: atherospermataceae or monimiaceae
Genus: atherosperma
Species: moschatum
syn. Southern sassafras, Tasmanian sassafras
Not to be confused with sassafras from northern Australia, Doryphora sassafras (northern NSW) or Doryphora aromatica (North Queensland)
'Default' wood varies from white to a smokey grey. Its low tannin content made it ideal for
clothes pegs (see image above).
NB. This timber, that is timber without heart stain, is usually marketed as 'clear' sassafras.
Like myrtle, sassafras can have a distinctive stain which is known, in this case, as "Blackheart Sassafras" and is highly prized.
| species | dry density kg/m3 | Janka hardness (side grain), dry kN |
| sassafras | 630 | 4.7 |
See also density comparative chart here.
