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Achlys triphylla - (Sm.)DC.

Common Name Vanilla leaf, Sweet after death
Family Berberidaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Coniferous forests, usually in mountainous regions, at elevations up to 1500 metres[270].
Range Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade
Achlys triphylla Vanilla leaf, Sweet after death


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Wsiegmund
Achlys triphylla Vanilla leaf, Sweet after death
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Achlys triphylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from April to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

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.
Emetic  Ophthalmic  TB

The plant was used by native North Americans to treat anumber of health problems, though it is little used in modern herbalism[257, 270]. An infusion of the leaves was used in the treatment of tuberculosis and as an emetic[257, 270]. An infusion of the dry shredded roots was used to treat cataracts[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hair  Repellent

The leaves have been dried and hung in houses to repel flies and mosquitoes[257]. A decoction of the plant has been used as a furniture and floor wash to get rid of lice, bedbugs and other household pests[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a hair wash[257].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A woodland plant, it requires a position in semi-shade and a humus-rich soil[280].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species, bu it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady part of a cold frame. If stored seed is used, it should be sown as soon as it is received. Germination can be erratic. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady part of a greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions during autumn or early winter. Division should be possible in early spring or just after flowering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

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

(Sm.)DC.

Botanical References

270280

Links / References

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

Readers comment

Virginia Menstell   Mon Dec 15 2008

Looking for references on pollination for this plant. Since it repels some insects am thinking it pollinates by another mechanism - wind doesn't seem likely since this plant rarely gets much along the forest floor. Could it be that its reliance on insects for propagation has become replaced with self propagation? or that it never needed insects to begin with and evolved to use scent to repel insect consumption? Thx for your time, vm [email protected]

DN   Mon Dec 15 2008

See "PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS" above, cheers.

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Subject : Achlys triphylla  
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