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A young sassafras tree in bright Fall colors. The ground up dry leaves of this tree are used as a spice in some types of gumbo. The roots were used to make root beer until their use in foods was banned by the FDA because the oil (safrole) is a liver toxin and potential carcinogen. Nowadays root beers commonly contain either safrole-free sassafras or artificial sassafras flavoring. The leaves don't contain any safrole though and are safe to eat.  Taken on Oct. 9, 2009, at Rough Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 302.8) - elevation 4293 ft