A complete guide to Golden Sassafras

Subtle yet warm in colour, with a straight, smooth grain, Tasmanian Golden Sassafras is a native hardwood that makes a striking statement for interior design and architectural projects. Our complete guide to Golden Sassafras covers key information about this species, its origins, location, the timber characteristics and applications.

What is Tasmanian Golden Sassafras?

Golden Sassafras is both a flowering plant species (Doryphora sassafras) and the commercial name for its light, golden-toned hardwood.

Doryphora sassafras was first noted by Austrian naturalist Stephan Endlicher in 1837, when worked with Australian rainforest material sent to European herbaria. The genus name, Doryphora, is derived from the Greek language and means “spear-carrying” or “spear-bearing”. It was given this name due to the shape and arrangement of the anthers around the centre of each flower, which resembled spears.

The species belongs to the southern sassafras family Atherospermataceae. This small botanical family is linked to other cool and warm temperate rainforest trees across the Southern Hemisphere.

Tasmanian Golden Sassafras typically grows in rainforests, with rich, well-drained soil, sheltered positions and regular rainfall. The tree can grow up to 40 metres in height, with a spreading canopy of dark green, glossy leaves. These leaves, when crushed, offer a sassafras-like fragrance.

Golden Sassafras Trees

What are the timber characteristics?

The “golden” in the name refers specifically to the soft yellow and light pink-ish hues of the timber. Hues in the white sapwood may range from pale cream to striking black heartwood, in blackheart variation.

Golden Sasssafras features a superb smooth, straight grain, making this a discerning choice for bespoke interiors and statement projects.


Golden Sassafras Timber Sample

Is it a versatile hardwood?

This timber has earned a loyal following among Australian woodworkers and designers, due to it’s decorative aesthetic and versatile workability.

Golden Sassafras is known to be a very versatile hardwood, which makes it ideal for a range of applications. Highly workable, this Tasmanian timber is a moderately strong wood that is also light and soft.

Therefore, this Tasmanian hardwood can be reworked with ease — through bending, fine detailing and wood turning, although pre-drilling is recommended.

Hydrowood Golden Sassafras is well suited to interior projects, including:

  • Wall linings

  • Doors and trims

  • Mouldings

  • Fine furniture

  • Premium joinery

  • Cabinetry

  • Lightweight design builds

  • Bespoke decorative surface work

While Golden Sassafras is not generally suitable for exterior use, it’s versatility with interior projects — combined with its distinct hues and smooth grain — makes it an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-end look.

Golden Sassafras Light

Is Golden Sassafras sustainably sourced?

This timber is a sustainable solution and offers a consistent quality timber for clients. Hydrowood Golden Sassafras is responsibly recovered from Tasmania’s Lake Pieman, a man-made reservoir off the Pieman River, situated in the lush west coast of the state.

Lake Pieman Tasmania

Hydrowood is a premier producer of reclaimed timber, with each piece certifiably sustainable for your peace of mind.

Tasmanian Golden Sassafras available nation-wide

With a network of distributors across Australia, including Bowens in Victoria, Tasmanian Golden Sassafras is available for your next project. For more information about our sustainable and reclaimed hardwood, speak with the Hydrowood team or visit the Circa showroom at 128 Salmon St, Port Melbourne.

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