ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Sassafras Tree (Sassafras albidum). It’s native to eastern North America, from southern Maine and southern Ontario west to Iowa, and south to central Florida and eastern Texas. All parts of the Sassafras albidum plant have been used for human purposes, including stems, leaves, bark, wood, roots, fruit, and flowers. Native American peoples used the leaves of sassafras to treat wounds by rubbing the leaves directly into a wound, and used different parts of the plant for many medicinal purposes such as treating acne, urinary disorders, and fevers. They also used the bark as a dye, and as a flavoring.  In North America, it has particular culinary significance, being featured in distinct national foods such as traditional root beer and Louisiana Cajun cuisine!