What is a Sassafras tree?

Sassafras albidum is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is generally found in the eastern United States and is an important source of food and shelter to many wild animals and birds.

Sassafras bark and root are used to make the flavoring for root beer, a beverage derived from the popular 19th-century soda sarsaparilla. Both the bark and roots have the classic root beer aroma. Some parts of the tree contain safrole, which is believed to be carcinogenic. The leaves; however, do not contain safrole, and are used to make a spice called filé, a popular flavoring in Cajun cooking.