BerberidaceaeAchlys triphylla
Vanilla Leaf
Spreading by underground roots, 3 fan-shaped, coarsely toothed leaflets at top of 4–15 in. stems. Central leaflet divided into 3 lobes. Leaves horizontal. Stem single, longer than leaf, holds spike of small white flowers with long stamens giving a starry look. Berries reddish purple. Similar A. californica, deer foot, has 6–8 lobes on central leaflet, and brown berries. Called vanilla leaf for the sweet smell of the dried leaves.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Early Spring-Mid Summer
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 8--16 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
- Found In: Olympic NP, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Crater Lake NP, Siskiyous, West Gorge
- Native: Yes
More Information:
- Common synonyms: deer foot, sweet after death
- More Photos
- USDA Plants Database
- CalPhotos
- Oregon Flora Project Atlas
- E-Flora BC
- WTU Herbarium Image Collection
- UW Herbarium - Vascular Plant Collection