SASSAFRAS, a species of LAURUS; see LAURUS, (Encycl.). In Pennsylvania and other parts of North America, it grows in a dry loose ground, of a pale brick colour, which consists for the most part of sand mixed with clay. This tree spreads its roots very much, and new shoots come up from them in some places; but these shoots are not good for transplanting, because they have so few fibres besides the root which connects them to the main stem, that they cannot well strike into the ground. If, therefore, any one would plant sassafras trees, he must endeavour to get their berries; which, however, is difficult, since the birds eat them before they are half ripe. The cows are very greedy after the tender new shoots, and look for them every where.
The bark of this tree is used by the women here in dying worsted a fine lasting orange-colour, which does not fade in the sun. They use urine instead of alum in dying; and boil the dye in a brass boiler, because in an iron vessel it does not yield so fine a colour.
The wood is made use of for posts belonging to the enclosures, for it is said to last a long time in the ground: but it is likewise said, that there is hardly any kind of wood which is more attacked by worms than this, when it is exposed to the air without cover; and that in a short time it is quite worm-eaten through and through. On cutting some part of the sassafras tree, or its shoots, and holding it to the nose, it has a strong but pleasant smell. Some people peel the root, and boil the peel with the beer which they are brewing, because they believe it wholesome. For the same reason, the peel is put into brandy, either whilst it is distilling, or after it is made. Professor Kalm informs us, that a decoction of the root of sassafras in water, drank every morning, is used with success in the dropy.
When part of a wood is destined for cultivation, the sassafras trees are commonly left upon it, because they have a very thick foliage, and afford a cool shade to the cattle during the great heats. Some people get their bed-pots made of sassafras wood, in order to expel the bugs; for its strong scent, it is said, prevents those vermin from
from settling in them. For two or three years together this has the desired effect; or about as long as the wood keeps its strong aromatic smell; but after that time it has been observed to lose its effect. In Pennsylvania some people put chips of sassafras into their chests, where they keep all sorts of woolen stuffs, in order to expel the moths (or larvae or caterpillars of moths or tinies) which commonly settle in them in summer. The root keeps its smell for a long while: our author saw one which had lain five or six years in the drawer of a table, and still preserved the strength of its scent. The people here also gather its flowers, and use it as tea.
The sassafras-tree generally stands single in the woods, and along the fences round the fields. It flowers in May before the leaves come out; and being entirely covered with them, it is distinguished at a great distance by their beautiful yellow colour.