« Katrina Missing Info Needed | Main | Speaking of Trees »

August 30, 2005

Looking Out My Back Door

I was meandering around our new back yard yesterday, planning some badly needed pruning and clearing, when I spied something that made my little heart go pitter-patter. Not 1 but 2 sassafras saplings and 1 young sassafras tree.

As WildChild would say, that make me so hoppy!

Sassafras has always been one of my favorite trees, probably because it was one of the first I learned as a child to identify.....easy because of its mitten-shaped leaves and their distinctive spicy rootbeer smell when crushed. It's handy to have around as well, as you can make tea from its leaves and/or roots, which my Ma used to give me occasionally when I wasn't feeling well. As my mom taught me, you can make a fairly servicable toothbrush from one of its twigs in a pinch. And of course, we couldn't have gumbo without it.

Best of all, sassafras are absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

I can't wait to clear everything out from around them & watch them grow!

Posted by Rita at August 30, 2005 02:32 AM

Comments

We generally collect the roots when we visit our relatives and make a hot drink (with cream and sugar) with them in the Winter. I love the "almost A&W" flavor.

Posted by: Kenneth at August 30, 2005 07:06 PM

I've never had it with cream, I'll have to try that. Ma always served it hot though, with lots of sugar.

Good 'n good for you.

Posted by: Rita [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2005 07:43 PM