Vanilla Plant, Vanillaleaf
Trilisa odoratissima

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Trilisa odoratissima is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Low pinelands. Pine barrens.

South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida, west to Missouri.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a flavouring, they have the scent of vanilla. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic. They are a folk remedy for coughs, malaria and neuroses. The leaves are high in coumarins and have been experimentally effective in the treatment of high-protein oedema. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Other

Rating:

The dried leaves contain coumarin and have a scent like newly mown hay. They can be used as a condiment.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

How it is grown

Grows well in any moderately good light soil. Plants grow in very acid soils in the wild.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant contains coumarins, this is what gives it the scent of newly mown hay. When used internally, especially from dried plants, it can act to prevent the blood from co-aggulating. Coumarins are implicated in liver disease and haemorrhage.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carphephorus odoratissimus