Sassafras

Sassafras albidum
SASSAFRAS
Lauraceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates: I-3 (south side of Woodland Trail entrance), N 39°11'14'' W 75°32'49''; and
Y-18 (east side of Health Building), N 39°11'2'' W 75°32'40''

Planting history: I-3: probably naturally-occuring, not planted; and
Y-18: presently unknown.

Description:

deciduous tree, small- to medium-sized (usually to 30’-50’ tall); sometimes shrubby
etymology: Sassafras probably from Native American Indian name, adapted by French settlers; albidum = whitish (leaf undersides)
leaves have 3 different shapes: unlobed, 2-lobed (mitten – right and left), and 3-lobed; autumn foliage attractive; fragrant when crushed
dioecious (separate male and female plants); flowers small
fruits blue-black, on red stalks ca 1/2” long
can spread by underground runners
roots with root-beer smell and taste; were the original source of root beer, and also used to make sassafras tea; were an important export from the colonies to Europe in colonial times. However, these were banned by FDA because they contain the chemical safrole which has been shown to cause cancer or liver damage in lab animals; now, sassafras root extracts can be used, if the safrole is removed
leaves, dried and ground, used to make gumbo
native habitat is woods edges, old fields

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)