Sassafras albidum/ Lauraceae

Native

Height 20-40 feet; 1-2 feet in diameter

Sassafras is common throughout the state, except in the higher mountains. Roots, twigs and bark of the sassafras have a pleasant, spicy scent, and contain oil of sassafras which is used as a flavoring. In the early spring, the tender roots can be peeled and brewed to make sassafras tea. The foliage is the primary larval host for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Trees are either male or female, and have lovely clusters of yellow flowers in early spring. Deer, turkey, bear and many species of birds eat the fruit in early fall.