Near Luray in Page County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Tea Tree
Sassafras
— Sassafras albidum —
Sassafras is best known for the spring tonic made from dried roots.
Although the tea from Sassafras is still used today. It is now known to contain cancer causing ingredients.
Smitten with Mittens
Sassafras leaves are very unique. A tree can have three different leaf shapes on the same twig.
Some are OVAL; others have one lobe, resembling a mitten; while still others have THREE LOBES.
Uses
The berry-like fruits are eaten by wild animals including bobwhite quail, rabbits, white-tail deer, wild turkey and black bear.
Sassafras became a major export in the 19th century, at one time ranking second only to tobacco.
Erected by Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 38° 38.436′ N, 78° 36.616′ W. Marker is near Luray, Virginia, in Page County. Marker can be reached from Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9531 Lee Highway, Luray VA 22835, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
