Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees

Sassafras

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Sassafras is native deciduous tree in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Sassafras occurs in forest, along fence rows, in fields, and on disturbed sites. It is often colonial from root sprouts. Sassafras grows from 20-70 feet in height. Young twigs are pale green and glabrous. The bark of the trunk is thick, reddish-brown in color, and deeply furrowed. Leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic in outline, and un-lobed or deeply 2-3 lobed. The leaves are densely pubescent when young and glabrous or slightly pubescent on the lower surface when mature. The bark, twigs, and leaves are aromatic when crushed. Lemon-scented flowers are produced in racemes before or with the leaves. The flowers are unisexual, with staminate and pistillate flowers occurring on different plants. The individual flower has 6 greenish-yellow tepals. As the fruit develops, the pedicel enlarges and becomes swollen. The fruit is a purple drupe on a red, club-shaped, fleshy pedicel. Sassafras roots are the source of Sassafras Tea and were once used in Root Beer and Sarsaparilla. The roots and bark of Sassafras contain a chemical that has been determined to be carcinogenic, and they are no longer used. The dried, powered leaves of Sassafras are the source of filé powder, used in Louisiana Creole cuisine.—A. Diamond

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Native FACU (NWPL)

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