Sassafras

Sassafras

(Sassafras Albidum)

This tree is found a little way off the hiking trail, near a ditch that fills up to be a vernal pool. It's the only sassafras tree I could find in the area so it should be easy to find.

Sassafras can be found in temperate deciduous forests but it is fairly hard to find in CT. They prefer moist and acidic soil. They have some tolerance to drought and salt but nothing spectacular. They prefer partial shade but can do well in full sun. They grow pretty small, so they will form the understory of the forest.

They stand out mainly because of their unique mitten-shaped and 3-lobed leaves. I always think trees with multiple lead shapes are really cool. They also stand out because of their aromatic small and the slight controversy around their use. They also have some pretty unique bark and fruits on a fleshy stalk. Lastly, their fall colors can also be very beautiful.