Tree Topics logo Plant List  
Compare		 Fact Sheet  
Gallery		      Latin name: Sassafras Albidum
Common name: Sassafras
Sassafras albidum - asset tag Sassafras albidum patch of trees Sassafras albidum is often found growing in groups.
Sassafras albidum winter buds terminal and lateralSassafras albidum terminal bud in spring Sassafras albidum terminal bud in springThe terminal bud of Sassafras albidum contains the flowers and is larger than the lateral buds. The terminal bud opens in late May and displays multiple yellow flowers.

Sassafras albidum winter buds terminal and lateralSassafras albidum greenish bark Sassafras albidum deeply ridged bark
The bark of young trees and new branches is greenish. Older trees have reddish bark that it rough, thick and deeply ridged.
Sassafras albidum leaves
Leaves of the sassafras may appear in one of three different shapes:

Common Sassafras is native to the Eastern United States. Native Americans used the roots and bark of the sassafras in medicine. The leaves have been used as seasoning for soups and used to make a very flavorful tea. Winter buds and young leaves have been used in salads

IMPORTANT NOTE **** Possibly poisonous !!!

Safrole, an oil which is found in sassafrs has been banned in the United States as food additives or flavoring agents by the FDA since 1976 because safrole may cause cancer.

Birds like to eat the fruits of the sassafras. Black bears, beaver, rabbits and squirrels eat the fruit, bark and wood.  White-tailed deer eat the twigs and leaves.


Karren Wcisel © copyright 2007-2008

Send email to Karrenw@aol.com

TreeTopics.com  Home Page