Black Sassafras

Atherosperma moschatum

Physical Characteristics

Atherosperma moschatum is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea A pleasant tasting tea is made from the fresh or dried aromatic bark[2, 177, 183]. Some caution is advised in its use, see the notes on toxicity at top of the page.

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antirheumatic Aperient Cardiac Diaphoretic Diuretic Laxative Tonic VD Antiasthmatic, antirheumatic, aperient, cardiac, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, tonic. A powerful poison, it is useful in treating rheumatism, syphilis and bronchitis[4, 152, 154].

Known Hazards

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