Sassafras albidum

Reported to be easily grown from seed (Holmes 1990).

The fruit is eaten in early fall by deer, turkey, bear, and many species of birds.

Sassafras, or "file," is an important plant for the Acadians of south Louisiana. Its leaves are used to make file' which is used to thicken gumbo. A tea made from the roots was a common remedy before the discovery that it contains safrole, a carcinogenic. Luckily the leaves do not contain safrole (Holmes 1990). Sassafras is found in sandy woods, old fields, railroad tracks, and along fence rows in Louisiana and east Texas. It is more common in upland areas than in the alluvial plains. This small tree has been planted as an ornamental and a yellow dye is made from the bark.

Sandy woods, old fields, fence rows, roadsides, disturbed wood, thickets, old fields, forest edges, rocky soil.

Roots, twigs, and bark of sassafras are aromatic, yielding oil of sassafras (a flavoring) and sassafras tea which is highly regarded as a spring tonic. The wood finds limited use for fence posts, slack cooperage, crafting, and small, open fishing boats.