The color of sassafras is not a single, fixed shade but a spectrum that shifts by season and varies significantly depending on the part of the plant being examined. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a deciduous North American tree recognized for its aromatic properties and unique leaf shapes. It is native to the eastern United States, growing within deciduous woodlands. The wood has been used for everything from furniture to boat construction. The answer to its color involves looking at the brilliant display of its foliage, the two-toned nature of its wood, and the deep hue of its extracts.
The Seasonal Hues of Sassafras Leaves
The foliage of the sassafras tree is perhaps its most visually dynamic feature, beginning as a pleasant light green during the spring and summer months. The leaves are distinctive, often appearing in three different shapes on the same branch: an unlobed oval, a two-lobed “mitten” shape, and a three-lobed, trident-like form. The Latin epithet albidum refers to the whitish or paler color of the leaf undersides.
As the growing season ends, the color of the leaves transitions into a spectacular array of autumnal shades. The leaves display a range of vibrant colors, including bright yellow, gold, orange, and deep red or crimson hues. These varied colors often appear simultaneously on the same tree, creating a mottled, fiery effect.
This dramatic color change is a result of the tree preparing for dormancy and breaking down its chlorophyll, the green pigment. As the green fades, other pigments become visible. Carotenoids produce the yellows and oranges. The brilliant reds and purples are created by anthocyanins, pigments synthesized by the leaves late in the season, often triggered by bright light and cool temperatures.
The Internal Color of Sassafras Wood and Root
The structural wood of the sassafras tree presents a distinct palette, especially when comparing its inner and outer layers. The heartwood, which is the dense, non-living core of the trunk, typically ranges from a light to medium brown. This central wood can also possess undertones of orange, olive, or reddish-brown, and tends to deepen in color as it ages after being cut.
The sapwood, which is the living wood nearest the bark, offers a pale contrast to the heartwood. This outer layer is a paler yellowish-brown or yellowish-white. The heartwood is coarse-grained and relatively durable.
The root, the part of the plant historically used for teas and flavoring, is also characterized by its color. The exterior root bark, which contains the aromatic oils, is a cinnamon or reddish-brown color. This reddish-brown bark color is distinct from the wood’s internal hues.
The Color of Sassafras Extracts and Beverages
When the aromatic root bark or wood chips are processed, the resulting liquid takes on a color different from the raw material. Traditional sassafras tea, made by boiling the roots, produces an infusion that is typically a light brown or amber color, sometimes described as a translucent dark magenta. This hue is a result of extracting the natural compounds, including tannins and essential oils, from the plant material during the brewing process.
The concentrated sassafras extract, the traditional base for root beer, contributes a natural, deep caramel or reddish-brown color. While modern commercial root beers often use caramel coloring to achieve their dark brown appearance, the authentic boiled extract provides a rich amber shade on its own.