SASSAFRAS (Sassafras Sassafras, Karst). 30 to 50 feet; 

 rarely 100 feet. Narrow, flat, or loose, open, irregular 

 head, of short, stout branches. Roots fleshy, aromatic, 

 sending up suckers. Bark used to make tea. Bark reddish- 

 brown, fissured in broad plates, scaly, spicy, aromatic. Wood 

 brownish-yellow, soft, weak, brittle, durable in soil, used for 

 boat building, fencing, and cooperage. Leaves of three forms: 

 ovate, tapering at both ends; mitten-shaped, with thumb-like 

 side lobe; 3-lobed, with thumb on each side; dull yellow-green, 

 pale beneath, 4 to 6 inches long, turning orange and red. 

 Flowers in May, dioecious, small, yellow, in corymbs on sep- 

 arate trees. Fruit berry-like, soft, blue, on thickened, scarlet 

 base and calyx. Dist.: Borders of peaty bogs, woodlands and 

 fencerows; Vermont to Kansas; south to Florida and Texas. 

 Valuable ornamental tree. 



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