Trilisa odoratissima Vanilla Plant, Vanillaleaf PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Trilisa odoratissima is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Carphephorus odoratissimus

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The leaves are used as a flavouring[72], they have the scent of vanilla[1, 2]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Malaria

The leaves are demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic[222]. They are a folk remedy for coughs, malaria and neuroses[222]. The leaves are high in coumarins and have been experimentally effective in the treatment of high-protein oedema[222]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Repellent

The dried leaves contain coumarin and have a scent like newly mown hay. They can be used as a condiment[169].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows well in any moderately good light soil[1]. Plants grow in very acid soils in the wild[235].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia (south), Louisiana (east), North Carolina (east), South Carolina, Mississippi (south))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(Walter. ex J.F.Gmel.)Cass.

Botanical References

172

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Trilisa odoratissima - (Walter. ex J.F.Gmel.)Cass.