Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Leaves:

• Margins are smooth
• Three patterns:
  1. Three "fingers"
  2. A "thumb and mitten" outline
  3. Smooth, egg-shaped
  Usually all are present on same tree
• Turn reddish-orange in the fall

Bark: mature tree reddish-brown and furrowed; when scratched, smells like root beer

Height: 10 to 50 ft.

Trunk Diameter: 2 to 12 in.

Longevity: 30 to 40 yrs.

Tolerance: intolerant

Range: eastern U.S.

Fun Facts:

• Tea may be made from boiling pieces of the outer bark from the roots.
• Sassafras oil is used in some soaps.
• Twigs browsed by rabbits and deer.
• Fruit eaten by songbirds, bobwhite, wild turkey, and bear.
• Wood was once used for barrels, buckets, posts, small boats, dugout canoes, and fuel.
• Spread from the roots.

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