How to identify Sassafras Tree By Its Leaves

Sassafras is one of those plants that has captivated me. A few years back, I moved to an area that allows me to run into these fascinating trees regularly. Growing up, I had never been exposed to Sassafras as I was outside their typical range. Unbeknownst to me however, I was already a huge fan since a young age.

Just like many kids, I was a particular fan of root beer. And while (Most) modern root beer doesn’t contain any Sassafras, the traditional signature taste of root beer is due to the roots of the Sassafras tree.

We will get into the legality and history of the Sassafras tree in another post, but now let’s take a look at one.

Sassafras identification

Small Sassafras sapling in the woods — Sassafras sapling showing off its distinctive three leaf types.

The best way to identify a sassafras tree is through its leaves. Sassafras has three types of leaves on it. An unlobed oval leaf, a two lobed mitten shaped leaf, and a three lobed “dinosaur paw” leaf. The dinosaur paw leaf is the most distinctive, but we will go over all three.

Sassafras “Dinosaur Paw” Leaf

A sassafras leaf — The sassafras’ distinctive tri lobed dinosaur paw leaf

Once you get familiar with this leaf, finding sassafras is a breeze. It is so unlike most other leaves that I find myself picking them out in leaf piles, which then clues me into the presence of a nearby sassafras.

Sassafras Mitten Shaped leaf

The mitten leaf is the next indication that you’re looking at a sassafras tree. This particular example is a little more subtle than what you will usually encounter. The thumb of the mitten is usually more pronounced.

sassafras oval leaf

A beautiful Sassafras leaf — An Oval Sassafras Leaf

The oval leaf is the most subtle of all the Sassafras leaves. It doesn’t look unique or stand out much. One thing to keep in mind is that the leaf does not have any toothy edges. The edges of this leaf are smooth.

Identify Sassafras through smell too!

Another good way to identify Sassafras is the smell the leaves give off when you rub them. Rub a leaf between your thumb and forefinger and smell the leaf. It should smell fruity. I think it smells most similar to fruit loops.

I hope to revisit Sassafras and expand on the topic, such as identifying by bark, legality of the tree, and how it was used as root beer.

Until next time! Leave me a comment if you have any questions or thoughts!

Transplant Garden — Rare and Curious Plants