Achlys triphylla
(Sm.) DC.
Vanilla leaf, Sweet-after-death
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAchlys triphylla, with the common names deer foot, vanilla leaf, or sweet after death, is a plant species native to the mountains of the West Coast of North America.
Description
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.
Edible Uses
None known.
Traditional Uses
Small amounts of vanilla substitute have been extracted from the leaves.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant was used by native North Americans to treat a number of health problems, though it is little used in modern herbalism. An infusion of the leaves was used in the treatment of tuberculosis and as an emetic. An infusion of dry shredded roots was used to treat cataracts.
Distribution
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.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Propagation
Seed - probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady part of a cold frame. If stored seed is used, sow as soon as it is received, as germination can be erratic. Prick out seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of a greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions during autumn or early winter. Division should be possible in early spring or just after flowering.
Other Uses
The leaves have been dried and hung in houses to repel flies and mosquitoes. A decoction of the plant has been used as a furniture and floor wash to eliminate lice, bedbugs and other household pests. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a hair wash.
Notes
There are 2 Achlys species. It has also been put in the family Podophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Deerfoot
References (2)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 184
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 14
