There must be a word for this

What is it call when a plant has three different leaf shapes at once ? I ca n’t figure it out , but that ’s what go on with sassafras ( Sassafras albidum , USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 8) . Sassafras is an eastern North American native Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that grows in full Sunday or partial wraith and moist , well - drained , rather productive , somewhat acidic soil . It ’s the traditional seed of file pulverisation , which was used to thicken cajun okra , and sassafras is the traditional flavoring for root beer , though most root beer are flavor with artificial sassafras tree flavorings these days , since a major constituent of sassafras oil is now considered a carcinogen . I have fond memories of sassafras trees in the Grant Wood where I grew up in Virginia . I would always break off a twig and sniff its refreshing scent as I walk . Now I ’ve read that sassafras tree can be used as an in force mosquito repellant . I should have been rubbing the twigs and leave-taking on my weapon system and stage !

I ’m still stumped by the three - leaf - shape thing . Do you know a name for this feature , or make out of another flora that has more than one leaf shape on the same plant ? I ’d love to know . scuttlebutt below !

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