ID. Sassafras or no?

[_Keith]

Could this be a Sassafras seedling? I bought seeds a while back. This is the only one that germinated, but I am suspicious about it true identity.

[The Silent Seed]

Possible. Watch for lobed leaves.

[fastfeat]

Keith--

Sure looks like Sassafras to me. Long pair of basal veins that run up much of the leaf; the puckered leaf venation; the reddish petioles and new twigs; and the sympodial branching all match. If I recall correctly, the crushed foliage has some scent as well.

http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/prof/Recipes/File-Sassafras/sassafras.html

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/ncsc/tnc/images/saal1170647.jpg

[_Keith]

Keith--

Sure looks like Sassafras to me. Long pair of basal veins that run up much of the leaf; the puckered leaf venation; the reddish petioles and new twigs; and the sympodial branching all match. If I recall correctly, the crushed foliage has some scent as well.

http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/prof/Recipes/File-Sassafras/sassafras.html

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/ncsc/tnc/images/saal1170647.jpg

Thanks for the reply, and making me slap my forehead while saying "duh." The reason I want this tree is to make my own "Filet." Never thought to just rub a leaf tip between my fingers and take a good sniff.

[_Keith]

I bought a couple of bonafide 15g Sassafras trees today. Leaf vein structure is indeed identical. Crushed and sniffed leaves from both, no real smell from either. Chewed up leaf tip from each, no real taste from either. Might be the time of year, or the 3 Martini's prior. Who knows?