Sweet After Death
(Achlys triphylla)
Sweet After Death (Achlys triphylla)
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born1945 from Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
CC BY 2.0
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born1945 from Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
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CC BY 2.0
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Photo by: born1945 from Hillsboro, Oregon, USA | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Kingofthedead | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Vanilla_Leaf_(5659254875).jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Achlys triphylla, commonly known as Sweet After Death or Vanilla Leaf, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the moist, shaded forest floors of the Pacific Northwest, including the Northwestern United States and British Columbia. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and can spread to a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters), forming a low, ground-hugging mat. The plant is characterized by its trifoliate leaves and small, inconspicuous cream to white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, arranged in spikelike racemes. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of vanilla, which is more noticeable when the leaves are dried or crushed.
Sweet After Death is valued for its sweet-smelling foliage and is often used in shaded garden settings, such as woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to spread and form a dense ground cover, which can help suppress weeds. This plant prefers partial to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant and should not be allowed to dry out. While generally free from serious pests and diseases, slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sweet After Death is valued for its sweet-smelling foliage and is often used in shaded garden settings, such as woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to spread and form a dense ground cover, which can help suppress weeds. This plant prefers partial to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant and should not be allowed to dry out. While generally free from serious pests and diseases, slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.6-1.3 feet
- Width: 2-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, White
- Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist, shaded forest floors of the Pacific Northwest
Other Names
Common Names: Deer-Foot, Vanilla-Leaf, Deervetch Vanillaleaf, Vanilla Leaf
Scientific Names: , Achlys triphylla, Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla, Leontice triphylla,
GBIF Accepted Name: Achlys triphylla (Sm.) DC.