The Laurel family, with about 40 genera and nearly 1000 species, is represented in North America by 6 genera, of which 4 are arborescent. Most of the species are tropical. The 2 genera represented in West Virginia are Sassafras, (page 135) and Benzoin, the latter having 1 shrubby species, the common Spice Bush. The Sassafras described herein is the only member of this genus in North America. Another species is found in China.

The members of this family are aromatic trees and shrubs, none of which is important as a wood producer. Some of them possess medicinal properties and all have ornamental value.