Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Achlys triphylla (Sm.) DC.
Sweet after death, Sweet-after-death, Vanilla leaf
Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
This
perennial is a spreading ground cover. Large leaves, divided into three leaflets, rise at close intervals from underground runners and are long-lasting. Stalks, less than 8 in. high, produce numerous tiny, petalless, whitish flowers clustered together in a narrow, fluffy spike. Pairs of low slender stalks grow in patches, one stalk actually a
petiole, having at its tip a round leaf
blade with 3 broad, fan-shaped leaflets; the other stalk ending in a narrow
spike of small white flowers. The dried plants have a vanilla fragrance.
The large, 3-part leaf is unusual, like that of its only close relative, California Vanilla Leaf (
A. californica), found nearer the coast, but which generally has 6-8 (rarely up to 12) teeth on the central leaflet.
Image Gallery:
2 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CA , OR , WA
Canada: BC Native Distribution: S. B.C. to n.w. CA
Native Habitat: Moist, coastal forests; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Vanilla leaf can crowd out other plants but does not compete well with more vigorous ground covers.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: Medicinally,
Native Americans used preparations of the leaves of Achlys triphylla to treat tuberculosis, for a hair wash, and as an emetic (D. E. Moermann 1986).
Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
2007-01-01
