Vanilla leaf, Sweet-after-death
Achlys triphylla

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are 2 Achlys species. It has also been put in the family Podophyllaceae.

Where it is found

In grows in conifer forests in mountain regions up to 1,500 m altitude in North America. It is a hardy plant. It is best in light shade. It can grow in a range of soils and a range of soil pH. It needs moist soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

Small amounts of vanilla substitute have been extracted from the leaves.

Edible parts

Leaves - oil, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Deerfoot

Synonyms

Leontice triphylla Sm.;