Achlys triphylla

VANILLA LEAF

Achlys triphylla
VANILLA LEAF

Achlys triphylla is commonly known as “Vanilla Leaf”.
Because of the delightful vanilla scent of the foliage, as well as the flavour.

Sweet vanilla scented foliage

Though sometimes also known as “Sweet after Death” (dont worry – not scary) because the leaves have an even more intense vanilla scent when dried.
So of course dried Achlys is a prized ingredient for sachets and pot-pourri.

Handsome large leaves

The handsome foliage is also a striking garden feature – with large, three lobed, fan shaped leaves topped by slender white fluffy pokers.

Long blooming over summer

The fluffy white cat-tail flowers are long blooming over summer and seem to float above the leaves for up to 4 months.
Their pure white shines beautifully in darker areas.

Wonderful groundcover in shaded areas

Achlys triphylla makes a wonderful groundcover in areas with heavy shade, or where there is shade all day from overhead trees or buildings.
Because it spreads by underground rhizomes and covers the ground completely with those gorgeous, big, lush fans of leaves.
But fear not – it is not invasive and is not a thug.
Instead it forms a carpet approx. 20cm. to 40cm. high. (The foliage height depends on how much water it receives – it is not a drought lover).
With the elegant little white pokers floating above on slender stems all summer.

Naturally grows under conifer trees & evergreen forests

Vanilla Leaf is a native groundcover in conifer forests along the west coast of North America.
So it is ideal for planting under conifers, evergreen trees, or in places that do not receive direct sun during the day.
It loves plenty of humus, compost and leaf litter; as befits a forest dweller.
And this also helps to maintain consistent moisture in the soil.

Traditional medicine for first nation Americans

First nation American tribes traditionally used Achlys triphylla as a herbal medicine.
So they would prepare an infusion from the leaves to treat lung complaints and as an emetic.
While the roots provided an infusion to bathe the eyes and treat cataracts.

Natural insect repellent & deodorant

Though the most common usage was probably as an insect repellant and deodorant.
Because the fragrant leaves could be simply rubbed onto the skin to leave that lovely vanilla scent; while the dried leaves would be hung in dwellings to repel insects and scent the air.
Washes of Achlys triphylla were used cleanse and scent the hair, as well as see off head lice; while bedding was washed with Vanilla Leaf to control fleas and freshen the scent.

Perennial groundcover for shade

Achlys triphylla is a perennial groundcover, with outstandingly decorative foliage from early spring to autumn end; pretty white summer flowers; and vivid autumn foliage colour.
Vanilla Leaf glows with gold in autumn before remaining as deciduous rhizomes in the winter.
It is therefore extremely frost hardy, and tolerant of shade all year round, including heavy shade.

Tolerates clay soil well

Achlys triphylla is not fussy about soil type, as long as the ground maintains moisture well.
So it will grow happily in soils from sandy to clay. But it is one of the limited number of plants that can thrive in quite heavy clay.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: Achlys triphylla 

Sow Achlys triphylla indoors during cool periods of winter, spring or autumn.

Sow seeds indoors for optimum germination: First soak the seeds in water overnight.
Water that has been boiled in the kettle and then left to cool a little so you can put your finger in without burning is perfect.
After overnight soaking then sow the seeds in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently pat the surface to ensure the seeds have good contact with the surface of the mix.
And only lightly cover with sand / fine grit / sieved mix – because these seeds germinate better with light (but never any direct sunlight).

Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate to the surface of the mix from below.

A warm place is ideal

Now place the sown, moist punnet in a warm and well lit position (with good light but absolutely no direct sunlight) for 2-4 weeks.
And continue to keep consistently moist by misting regularly with a spray water bottle.
Covering with a plastic cover will also help to maintain consistent moisture.

Temperatures of 18-22°C. are best at this stage for optimum and rapid germination.
You can use a temperature controlled heat mat if you have one, as warmth at this stage is very beneficial.

Followed by a pretend winter 

Then after 2-4 weeks of warmth, make sure the punnet is thoroughly moist and wrap in cling-wrap.
Now place it in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

The after 4-6 weeks, remove from the fridge, unwrap, moisten again, and now place in a cool, shaded position – a shadehouse is perfect.
Cool temperatures for this stage are very beneficial, including cool or frosty nights – so it is a good idea to sow the seed when temperatures are still cooler.
Excessive heat may throw the seeds back into dormancy.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 21-40 days.
However patience – do not discard the punnet too quickly.
Because it is natural for these seeds to germinate at different times. This is just a natural defence by the plant to give some offspring the best chance to sprout into favourable conditions.

Seed Count: 5 seeds per pack approx. (Seeds of this impressive plant are scarce).

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