Native to eastern North America, sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a lovely, small, deciduous tree with three different leaf shapes: unlobed ovals, bi-lobed “mittens,” and tri-lobed “turkey feet.” It also has spectacular, glowing yellow to orange fall color. A wonderful grove of sassafras can be found in the Arboretum, next to the giant sequoias along Arboretum Drive.
In the latest issue of the Arboretum Bulletin, plant expert Walt Bubelis writes about the tree’s fascinating natural and cultural history, including its use as a medicinal cure-all and the original flavoring for root beer.
PHOTO: Fall color on a sassafras tree in the Arboretum. (Niall Dunne)
