North American Tree Main Index
Photo Gallery:
North American Tree Species
Leaves of a Sassafras Tree
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum): Safrole is a chemical
component present in every part of sassafras. In 1976 the Food and Drug
Administration declared safrole to be a weak carcinogen of the liver and band it from
interstate trade. On the other hand, explorers and colonists of America thought the
aromatic root to be a cure-all.
More on sassafras
North American Tree Main Index
