Sassafras leaf [pdf]

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a fragrant hardwood tree belonging to the laurel family
(Lauraceae) native to the eastern United States. It is famous for its polymorphic leaves, which
may be unlobed (football-shaped), bilobed (mitten-shaped), or, as shown here, trilobed
(ghost-shaped). Any or all leaf shapes may be present on the same tree.

In the Deep South, sassafras leaves are dried and ground to make a powder called filé, which
is added to Choctaw and Louisiana Creole stews like gumbo as a spice and thickener.

For a life-size leaf, use a 9" square; kami, Grainy, and Tant papers all work well.