Berberidaceae

Achlys triphylla

Vanilla Leaf

Spreading by underground roots, 3 fan-shaped, coarsely toothed leaflets at top of 4–15 in. stems. Central leaflet divided into 3 lobes. Leaves horizontal. Stem single, longer than leaf, holds spike of small white flowers with long stamens giving a starry look. Berries reddish purple. Similar A. californica, deer foot, has 6–8 lobes on central leaflet, and brown berries. Called vanilla leaf for the sweet smell of the dried leaves.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Early Spring-Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 8--16 inches
• Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Crater Lake Np, Siskiyous, West Gorge
• Native: Yes