sassafras

Description:

young sassafras tree showing three types of leaves

Habitat:

oak hickory forest

Notes:

Sassafras was used extensively for food and medicine by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. Sassafras bark was one of the first exports of the New World. In the southern U.S., the roots were boiled, then combined with molasses, and allowed to ferment into the first ROOT BEER. The young leaves can be added to salads and have a mild aromatic flavor. http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Sassafr...