saxifrax

A regional American colloquial variant of 'sassafras,' the aromatic tree (Sassafras albidum) whose bark and roots were historically used for medicinal teas, root beer flavoring, and folk remedies. 'Saxifrax' is a dialectal pronunciation variant found in parts of the American South and rural Appalachia, reflecting common patterns of folk etymology and phonological adaptation. Sassafras tea and root beer made from sassafras bark were staples of American folk medicine and culinary tradition.