Sassafras Tree and Leaves

The Sassafras Tree is the only tree to have 3 to 4 different leaf shapes on the same tree.  Looking at this photo one can see quite distinctly the three-pronged leaf, the plain straight-forward leaf, and some in which there is a two-pronged leaf with one prong subordinate being either a right 'thumb' or a left 'thumb'

When North America was first being settled by Europeans - and for a few centuries - the root of this tree was used to make the first 'Root Beers'.  This is occasionally still done today for a cool refreshing drink with a great natural flavour by those in the know and willing to work a little extra for the taste. 
Very occasionally one can still find a small craft-style soft drink company that will make and distribute 'Sarsaparilla'  

I was checking out my Sarsaparilla comment after I posted this - basically I am correct but for a full description of Sarsaparilla go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsaparilla_%28soft_drink%29