Sassafras

Doryphora sassafras is a shrub or tree that typically grows to 2.5–36 m (10–120 ft). Its leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, elliptic to lanceolate or ovate, 30–110 mm (1.2–4.3 in) long and 15–40 mm (0.6–1.6 in) wide on a petiole 3–6 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long. The edges of the leaves are shallowly to deeply toothed, glabrous and glossy, and both surfaces have a prominent midvein. All parts of the tree have a spicy smell, but should be treated with "some caution", since the plant contains the poisonous alkaloid doryphorine. Each individual leaf on a sassafras has a lifespan up to 12 years, and exceptionally to 19 years. The flowers are white with 6 tepals in 2 whorls mostly 7–13 mm (0.3–0.5 in) long and 2.5–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, the androecium with usually 4 whorls with 6 stamens and 14 to 18 staminodes, and there are 8 to 12 carpels. Flowering occurs from May to October and the achenes are 3.5–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 in) in diameter.

The distribution is from Nambour in southern Queensland through eastern New South Wales to Wolumla Peak in Yurammie State Forest. It is found in temperate rainforest on basalt soils at higher elevations and sedimentary soils at lower elevations, commonly associated with coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) and native crabapple (Schizomeria ovata).

Male mosquitoes and crane flies are attracted to the flowers of sassafras, but although they are nectarivores, in their struggle to feed, they pollinate the flowers.

It is used in reforestation but generally grows too big to be used in home gardens. It has been thought to have potential as a potted specimen. It has been planted in Dublin area in Ireland