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)

NB This timber is usually marketed as 'clear' sassafras to distinguish it from that with heart stain (Blackheart sassafras)

'Default' wood varies from white to a smokey grey. Its low tannin content made it ideal for

clothes pegs (see image above).

Like myrtle, sassafras can have a distinctive stain which is known, in this case, as "Blackheart Sassafras" and is highly prized. 

See also density comparative chart here.