Usually a small tree. Leaves are distinctive: same tree bears leaves with 0, 1 or 2 lobes. Twigs are green. Bark on mature trees is reddish-brown and furrowed. Crushed leaves, twigs and bark are fragrant. Flowers are yellowish, appearing in mid- spring just before leaves. Common in upland woods. Photographed at Lake Carasaljo Municipal Park and Georgian Court University Arboretum.

Early May.

Late May.

October.

October.  This is actually two Sassafras trees growing on either side of a Shortleaf Pine.