Common Name: sassafras
Scientific Name: Sassafras albidum
Category: Historic tree
Comments: This ancient sassafras near Mt. Jackson has been part of our farm's landscape for 5 generations. It stands in a field near an old barn where the current owner's great uncle, as a young boy in May of 1864, cautiously watched as civil war soldiers marched down the valley pike. Later in the day, as he helped with farm chores in and around the barn, he heard the cannons booming in the distance as the battle of New Market raged. As a grown man, he heard the cannons once again during the first reenactment of the New Market battle. The sassafras also has a unique growth that is shaped like the head of a huge serpent peering out from a hole in the massive trunk.
Best time to photograph: all seasons-mid morning to early evening
Nominator: Anne M. Dellinger
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Shenandoah