Sassafras

(Sassafras albidum) Deciduous tree. This is a highly variable tree, usually of small to medium size, but it may appear shrub-like or attain a height of over 100 feet. The leaves may be all oval-shaped or a mixture of oval and lobed, either 3- lobed , or in a mitten shape. Leaves turn fiery red in fall. The yellow or greenish flowers are small and develop in clusters at about the same time the leaves expand. The fruits are blue or blue- black, round to oblong, and about 1/2 " long at the end of a vivid red stalk. Broken stems are highly aromatic. Root extract is used to make sassafras tea and other beverages. This is a desirable tree due to multiformed leaves, flowers and fruits.

Presidential homes: Sherwood Forest Plantation on Virginia's James River was the home of President John Tyler, the 10th U.S. President.

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