Natural History

Sassafras

 

Sassafras albidum, Laurel family (Lauraceae)

Leaves:
Sassafras leaves are three distinct shapes: unlobed oval, two lobes, or three lobes. Leaves have smooth edges. Leaves are shiny green on top, pale and hairy beneath.

Bark:
Bark of mature trees is thick, reddish-brown, deeply furrowed.

Flowers:
Tiny yellow flowers are produced in spring.  Male and female flowers are on separate trees (dioecious).

Fruit:
Fruits are small, oblong, dark blue, produced on long red-stalked cups. Mature in late summer.   Only female trees produce fruit.

Other Notes:

• Oils distilled from roots, bark, or fruit are used to make root beer and sassafras tea.
• Early explorers thought of the root bark as a cure-all for diseases. It was frequently exported to Europe for this purpose and its overall value.
• The name "sassafras", applied by the Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes in the 16th century, is said to be a corruption of the Spanish word for saxifrage.

 

Sassafras leaves. (photo source #7)

Sassafras leaves.
(photo source #13)

Sassafras fruits are small dark-blue
berries on long red-stalked cups.
(photo source #18)

Sassafras bark is deeply furrowed.
(photo source #10)