120. Vanilla Leaf

Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla) is a member of the Berberadaceae, a family of plants that are quite useful here at Leaning Oaks, since many members of this family are not eaten by deer . Our unfenced ornamental garden has a disproportionately large number of Beberadaceans.  This stand of Vanilla Leaf is from the garden , a small portion of rhizome was transplanted from the woods below the house into the flower garden 5 years ago.  Like many members of this family, they produce almost all their leaves in one burst annually, so the initial transplant looked a little woebegon for the first year.  Each year however, the area covered by these attractive leaves has steadily increased - and now it covers a sizeable patch in the garden.  Vanilla leaf is a very good plant for one of the most difficult areas to garden in - dry shade.

Vanilla Leaf is named after the smell of the drying leaves, formerly used as a a room deodorizer and an insect repellent.  Since the fresh leaves have no discernable scent, one of the other common names is Sweet-After-Death.  The active ingredient in terms of both the perfume, and it's insecticidal properties is a chemical called coumarin.  

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