Sassafras

A fine, native deciduous tree growing 30-40' tall in the wild. The long lived plants have a sculpted, horizontal branching form and frequently develop into colonies as they spread freely by underground root suckers. Specimens are dressed up with remarkable foliage that is present in several distinct forms. Some leaves will be oval, others will have a single lobe that resembles a mitten and the rest will have three lobes. Regardless of the shape all have a fresh green color during the growing season and compliment the green twigs and orange-brown bark. As cool weather sets in plants create a grand spectacle as they transition to dazzling shades of yellow, orange and red. As an added bonus all portions of the plants are aromatic and were once used extensively as a fragrance in perfumes, soaps and for seasoning foods and candy. In 1960 the FDA found the extracts to be harmful if consumed and has since passed legislation to prohibit the sale of sassafras oil and tea. Learn More