Sassafras

      FAMILY: Laurel
      HEIGHT: 25 TO 50 ft.

      Sassafras, called Green Stick by the Indians because of its bright green twigs, is a common eastern tree or shrub with peculiar, mitten-shaped, three-lobed leaves. Some are entire, a few have two lobes, but all turn a rich orange and red in autumn. Children chew the aromatic twigs. Older people recall the teas and tonics made from Sassafras roots.

      Birds, including quail, feed on the purple fruits. The warm borwn bark of older Sassafras trees grows along raodsides and fencerows, and in open fields, in well-drained, acid soils.