Sassafras July 14, 2013

This is a young sassafras tree.  I bought it because of my interest in herbal plants - sassafras bark was used to make root beer and sassafras tea (it is now known to be a carcinogen).  But I have come to love this little tree for it's decorative appeal.  It is unusual in that three different shaped leaves grow on the same tree - an oval leaf, a one-notched leaf, and a two notched leaf.  I also love the beautiful red color the leaves turn in the fall.  And, it is fun to chew on a little piece of a branch, carcinogen or not - all things in moderation are safe.

Above, two of the leaf shapes.

Above, the third shaped leaf.