Atherosperma moschatum aka Tasmanian Sassafras

Atherosperma moschatum is a tree from southeastern Australia. It stays green all year. Its names include Australian sassafras and Tasmanian sassafras. It is part of the Atherospermataceae family. Its native range takes in Tasmania and eastern Victoria. It also grows wild in eastern New South Wales. It grows in temperate rainforest and damp gullies. These sites reach up to the subalpine zone. The tree is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The species can grow to 98 feet (30 metres). Its spread can reach about 33 feet (10 metres). The British trees in these reports are much smaller. One in Edinburgh grew to about 10 feet (3 metres). Trees in Cornwall reached about 20 feet (6 metres). The tree keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its bark has a scent and has served as tea. Trees can bloom while they are still young. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Both sexes must be present for trees to form seed. The Edinburgh tree blooms each year despite its cool site.

Give this tree rich soil with plenty of compost. Sand, loam or clay suits it with good drainage. Keep the soil moist; do not let it dry. It grows in acid to neutral soil, even very acid ground. Give it full sun or light woodland shade. In mild areas, a sheltered woodland garden suits it. Listed sites also include spots near south-facing or west-facing walls. In colder gardens, shield it from cold, drying winds.

Cold limits where it can grow outdoors in Britain. In many areas, it needs the shelter of a greenhouse. Mild sites can support trees outdoors. Reports differ on how much cold it can take. With good shelter, trees can stand brief frosts near 23°F (−5°C). Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Keep young plants grown from seed in a greenhouse through their first winter. You can also raise plants from half-ripe cuttings.

The wood is tough, close-grained and fairly soft. Makers use it for cabinets and turned work. The plant yields an essential oil with reported medicinal uses. People have made tea from fresh or dried bark. This use raises grave safety concerns. It does not mean the bark is safe to eat. The bark holds a substance reported as a possible carcinogen. That means it may cause cancer. Another account warns that the whole plant may be poisonous. Past use as medicine does not prove home use is safe.