Sassafras

Description:

Sassafras trees grow from 30–59 ft tall. It has smooth, orange-brown bark. The species are unusual in having three distinct leaf patterns on the same plant, unlobed oval, (mitten-shaped), and (three pronged). The young leaves produce a citrus-like scent when crushed. The tiny, yellow flowers are five-petaled and bloom in the spring. The fruit are blue-black, egg-shaped, 1 cm long, produced on long, red-stalked cups, and mature in late summer.

Habitat:

Prefers full sun to light shade in moist, loamy, acid, and well-drained soil.

Notes:

Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars are frequently found on Sassafras here, it's what they eat. This is a very young plant.