This medium to large-sized tree is common as an understory or lower canopy tree. It is easily recognized because the leaves come in three basic shapes: "fingers", with three lobes; "mittens", with one large lobe, and a smaller "thumb", and egg-shaped without lobes. The margins of the leaves are without teeth. The crushed leaves, twigs, and bar are spicy-fragrant. A pleasant tea can be made by boiling the outer bark of the tree roots. Sassafras oil is used in some soaps and a bark extract can produce an orange dye. The wood is durable and was once used to make buckets, barrels, and small boats. The autumn colors vary from orange to deep red.