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Sassafras
Sassafras albidium
Family: Lauraceae
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Location:
- found in Eastern United States
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Characteristics:
- shrub or a tree
- tree can grow to 60 feet tall
- most often seen as an understory shrub, growing beneath larger trees
- crushed leaves, twigs, and bark have spicy fragrance
- mature bark is red-brown and furrowed
- twigs green, often branched, sometimes hairy
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Leaves:
- not toothed
- in 3 patterns: 3 “fingers”, a “thumb and mitten” outline, or smooth egg shape
- usually all 3 patterns present on single tree
- in fall they turn red, yellow, and orange
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Flower:
- greenish-yellow
- grow in clusters
- present April-June
Fruit:
- blue, fleshy, and one-seeded
- called "drupes"
- present August-October
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| Uses: |
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Shred the tender twigs for use as a toothbrush. Placing the leaves in your shelter will produce an effective insect repellent. A straight, strong piece of wood from this tree can produce an efficient bow for archery or hunting. The leaves can be boiled to produce an orange dye for fabric. |
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