Achlys triphylla, commonly known as Vanilla leaf, Sweet after death, or Deer’s foot, is a flowering herb belonging to the family Berberidaceae (Flora of North America 2017). It gets its most common name, vanilla leaf, from the fact that its leaves, once dried, have the aroma of sweet vanilla. Achlys triphylla is native to the coasts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California (USDA 2017). A.triphylla can be most commonly found in moist soil in lowland to mid-elevation coastal forests west of the Cascade Mountains. It is a common ground cover herb that typically grows in clusters. It can generally be found in the understory of the forest as it flourishes in shaded environments (NPIN 2011).
A. triphylla grows up to 25-50 in height, and is made of two stems rising from a singular rhizome (Alden 1998). The shorter of the two stems, technically a petiole, contains a large compound orbicular leaf. This large palmate leaf typically ranges from 20-40 cm in diameter and is comprised of three distinct whorled leaflets. These leaflets make A. triphylla unique, as one does not often see a trio of leaflets in nature (Flora of North America 2017; NPIN 2011). These broad, asymmetric leaflets are fan shaped and have wavy, toothed edges. Each leaflet has approximately 5-12 individual “teeth” (USDA 2017).
The taller of the two stems makes A. triphylla highly visible. A creamy-white spike located at the apex of the stem contains all of thereproductive components, thus making it a bisexual plant (NPIN 2011). The 2.5 - 5 cm spike contains many clustered, small, cream-white flowers visible during its flowering season from April to July (Alden 1998; USDA 2017). Although A. triphylla belongs to the larger group of angiosperms, it lacks the sepals and petals commonly associated with flowering plants. Its seeds, brown in color, are its method of reproduction. A. tryphylla’s fruits are 3.5 to 5 mm furrowed and curved follicles with a purplish red color (NPIN 2011; Flora of North America 2017).
Since A. triphylla is native to the Pacific Northwest region, many of the native tribes within its range have found many uses for this plant within their culture. Some tribes that utilize A. triphylla for its various medicinal uses include the Cowlitz, Lummi, Paiute, Saanich, Skagit, and Thompson. Some documented uses include blending various components into medicinal treatments for tuberculosis and cataracts. It can also be used to wash hair, coat furniture to ward off bedbugs, and can be dried and hung above the door to act as a mosquito repellent. Hikers today will even utilize the insect repellent properties of A. triphylla by rubbing the leaves on their skin to ward off bugs (NAED 2003).
Achlys triphylla, common names sweet after death, deer-foot or vanilla-leaf, is a plant species native to the mountains of the West Coast of North America. It has been reported from the Cascades and from the Coast Ranges in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California, at elevations of up to 1500 m (5000 feet).[3]
Achlys triphylla is an herb up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall. It has trifoliate leaves and small white flowers.[4][5]
Multiple Pacific Northwest tribes use the leaves in an infusion drink for tuberculosis. One Lummi informant said the whole plant was mashed and soaked in water, which was drunk as an emetic.[6]
Achlys triphylla, common names sweet after death, deer-foot or vanilla-leaf, is a plant species native to the mountains of the West Coast of North America. It has been reported from the Cascades and from the Coast Ranges in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California, at elevations of up to 1500 m (5000 feet).
Achlys triphylla flower spike. Achlys triphylla is an herb up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall. It has trifoliate leaves and small white flowers.
