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Photo by Walter Siegmund

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Achlys triphylla

Also Known As

Vanilla Leaf

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 12"-14"
W: 24"-48"

planting zones

5a-9b

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Achlys triphylla plant details

Achlys triphylla is a broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular water. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Achlys triphylla

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN - 48 IN - wide, 12 IN - 14 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, native plant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Achlys triphylla

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Blooms: spring, white, dark purple berries/ trifoliate lobed leaves, vanilla scented when dried Zone 6-9. 12", PNW, part shade-shade, moist, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Horizontally held, fresh green trifoliate leaves contrast with the dark rich forest duff Vanilla Leaf loves to grow in. It should be used more often as the lush woodland ground cover that it is. 14" tall, deciduous, spreading, and looks like a moose-head and antlers! March to June fluffy white flower spikes rise about 6" above the leaves, studding the forest carpet. If you were wondering, the dry, dead leaves do smell like vanilla, giving rise to one of its common names: Sweet-After-Death. It can be drought-tolerant once established but prefers moist, well-draining soil. Native to the West Coast of North America to about 5,000 feet.