Sassafras Tree

Sassafras Turning
Originally uploaded by paynehollow

There are plenty of sassafras trees in these woods. The leaves come in about three shapes: There's the mitten-looking leaf shown here, the spear-shaped leaf and then the mitten-looking leaf with a "thumb" on both sides.

The roots of the sassafras can be dug up and boiled into an aromatic and fine-tasting tea. Unfortunately, ingested in too great amounts, the tea can be carcinogenic, according to recent studies.

However, it is my understanding that once or so a year is not enough to warrant concern.