Achlys triphylla aka Vanilla Leaf

Achlys triphylla is in the barberry family. This woodland plant lives for more than two years. Common names include vanilla leaf, deerfoot, and Oregon may-apple. Kew gives its native range as southwest Canada to northern California. It grows along North America's Pacific coast and in western Cascade woods. PFAF also lists Korea and Japan in its range. The sources thus differ on the bounds of its native range. It grows in forests, including mountain sites beneath conifers.

The plant spreads through rhizomes, or stems that grow underground. In time, it forms groups called colonies. Its upright stems give it a shape much like mayapple. Leaf stems stand about 0.7–0.8 feet [0.20–0.25 metres] tall. Each holds one compound leaf, made up of three leaflets. The edges of each leaflet have a wavy shape. Dry leaves give off a scent like vanilla. PFAF gives a total height of 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. Neither garden source states how wide the colonies grow when mature.

Small white flowers form spikes that rise above the leaves. Their stems reach about 1 foot [0.30 metres] tall. Chicago Botanic Garden says the flowers have a scent. It gives May to June as the bloom time. PFAF gives a longer span, from April through July. The flowers have both male and female parts. PFAF says wind carries pollen to pollinate the flowers. The sources give no details about the fruit.

Grow vanilla leaf in shade with moist soil rich in humus. Chicago Botanic Garden lists both part shade and full shade. PFAF calls for some shade beneath trees. The plant grows in sand, loam, and clay soils. Its stated soil pH range is mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 7–9; its hardiness trials are still in progress. The plant suits shaded borders and sites beneath trees. Its spread in colonies suits woodland gardens and shaded edges. PFAF does not flag it as a weed risk.

PFAF lists no known food uses and no known hazards. This does not prove the plant is safe to eat. It records Native North American use of leaves and roots as medicine. People used them for tuberculosis and cataracts, and to cause vomiting. These records do not prove that the treatments work. Other past uses were hair rinses and washes for household pests. People also hung dry leaves indoors to deter flies and mosquitoes. The sources name no specific garden pests or diseases.