How to Identify Sassafras Without Leaves

During the winter, when its characteristic mitten-shaped leaves are absent, sassafras can be difficult to identify, but understanding key identifying features makes finding sassafras easier. Native to the Eastern United States, Sassafras, also known by the botanical name Sassafras albidum, historically was used as a flavoring for root beer. In the 1970s the FDA prohibited the use of safrole, a compound derived from sassafras, in food because of concerns over its potential as a carcinogen. Although no longer chosen as a flavoring, the root beer quality of the tree remains an identifying feature.

Instructions

- 1
  Search for sassafras in naturalized areas in full sun. The tree does not grow well in boggy soil.
- 2
  Note the plant's growth pattern and form. When young, sassafras is pyramidal and shrubby with horizontal branching, but mature trees can reach 40 to 50 feet high with more irregular branching. Sassafras suckers from its roots so it often grows in thickets or colonies.
- 3
  Look for sassafras flowers, which bloom in early spring shortly before the leaves appear. The tiny flowers are yellow to greenish-yellow and form loose, drooping flower clusters about 2 inches long.
- 4
  Check for reddish-brown bark with deep furrows forming flat, corky ridges. In contrast, the tree's twig bark looks smooth and green.
- 5
  Crush a small twig between your fingers and smell it. Like all members of the Laurel family, sassafras has an aromatic smell; the tree's is similar to root beer.
- 6
  Look for small, dark blue berries that grow on red stems on sassafras in the fall.

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