Sassafras
Family: Lauraceae
Sassafras albidum

Description: Sassafras is a small to medium sized tree. The most defining characteristic of the tree is its 3 leaf forms. One is mitten-shaped, one is 3-lobed, and the last one has no lobes at all. None of the leaves are toothed. The berries are blue with a reddish stalk.

Leaves: As stated above, there are three forms of the leaves: One is mitten-shaped, one is 3-lobed, and the last one has no lobes at all.

Habitat: Sassafras grows in old fields and at the boarders of woods.

Location: This plant grows scattered in Sachar Woods and is right along the bottom of the paved path to Sachar.

Use: The roots of Sassafras can be boiled to make a tasty tea. Young leaves can be dried and crushed into a powder to thicken soup.

WARNING : Recent studies of Sassafras have proven that a chemical in the plant causes cancer in animals.