Atherosperma moschatum- Southern Sassafras
A medium to large sized conical shaped tree, It grows to around 6 to 25 m tall in warm temperate areas, in cold areas such as Tasmania it can grow as large as 40 metres. It is a slow growing tree. The leaves and bark have an interesting scent, similar to a musky nutmeg. The dark green leaves are attractively coloured, with silver-grey undersides, and the creamy-white flowers are also a lovely feature. It attracts insects, butterflies and birds and provides caterpillar food. It likes a moist shady spot and soils with good organic matter.
The wood is in demand for decorative woodwork.
| Family: | Monimiaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Atherosperma moschatum |
| Common Name: | Southern Sassafras |
| Plant Type: | Small tree, Large tree |
| Height: | 6 ~ 40 metres |
| Width: | 2 ~ 5 metres |
| Flower Colour: | White |
| Flowering Time: | Autumn, Winter |
| Ph Level: | Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam |
| Climate Zone: | Warm temperate, Cool temperate |
| Light: | Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Moist moderate drainage |
| Propagation Method: | Seed |
| Frost Tolerance: | Tolerates light frost |
| Plant Usage: | Fragrant |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Nectar eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects |
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WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.