[2] It grows in either sparse or dense forests habitat types, at altitudes of 100–1900 meters (330–3000 ft).

[3] Sassafras tzumu is a deciduous tree reaching heights of up to 35 meters (115 ft).

The longitudinally fissured wood is colored yellow-green, but changes to gray or brown when the plant is mature.

[4] Sassafras tzumu and Sassafras randaiense differ from the North American species in that they may have both male flowers with 3 staminodes and 1 rudimentary pistil, and female flowers with 12 staminodes on the same tree, while the North American species (see Sassafras albidum) are dioecious (individual plants bear only male or only female flowers).

[9] Essential oils may be extracted from bark, roots, or fruit, and contain a 1% concentration of phenylpropene safrole.