Tree
Sassafras albidum · genus Sassafras
Three leaf forms may occur on one plant: oval unlobed, two-lobed mitten, and three-lobed; crushed parts strongly fragrant; full-grown bark thick, reddish-brown, deeply furrowed; slender branches; black fruit on red stalks · Habitat: Woodland or forest edge
Safety Cautions
Do not treat the book statement that the entire plant is edible as current safety guidance. Sassafras root bark and safrole require caution; FDA regulation 21 CFR 189.180 prohibits safrole and sassafras oil as direct food additives
Native understory or small canopy tree; fruit supports wildlife
Spring
Woodland or forest edge
Unspecified
Book records traditional tea, root-beer, and medicinal uses; treat these as historical reference claims, not consumption guidance
Compare Portal 33 specimen for multiple leaf forms, aromatic crushed leaf or twig, bark, branching, flowers, and black fruit on red stalks
References
Rothkranz, Markus, compiler. Free Food and Medicine: Edible Plant Guide. 2012; p.336; FDA 21 CFR 189.180
Imported from Portal 33 Living Atlas Master Inventory v4
Educational use only. Identification, edibility, and traditional medicinal knowledge is shared for learning. Always obtain positive identification before eating, harvesting, or medicinally using any plant or fungi. This Atlas is not medical advice.