This green twigged tree or shrub averages in size from 30 to 60 ft., but can grow to 100 ft. tall. The bark, leaves, and twigs have a fragrantly spicy odor and taste when crushed.

BUDS: Terminal bud larger than lateral.

TWIGS: Green; slender and may be hairy; often branched; roundish leaf scars with one bundle scar.

BARK: Ridged and furrowed; grayish brown.

HABITAT: Old fields and woods; wetlands. The trees spread by growing up from roots or by cloning.

RANGE: Southern Ontario east to southwestern maine, south to central Florida, west to eastern Texas, and north to central Michigan.

USES: It was once thought the root bark was a panacea. The roots have been used for tea, root beer flavoring, and oil of sassafras for soaps. The durable lumber was used for making barrels, boats, canoes, and fuel.