Vanilla Leaf

Sep 12

Latin name: Achlys triphylla

Description: This tall, upright plant features three fan-shaped, asymmetrical leaflets with blunt teeth, growing atop a stem that ranges from 10 to 30 cm in height. Above the leaves, 2 to 5 cm tall, numerous small white flowers bloom on their own slender stalks. It thrives in moist, shady forests, along forest edges, and streambanks, often forming a continuous carpet across the forest floor. The leaves die back in winter but return with fresh growth in the spring.

Harvest and Uses: Vanilla Leaf is harvested in spring and summer, and when dried properly, it releases a pleasant vanilla-like scent known to repel flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. To preserve its aroma, the leaves should be hung to dry without bruising, as damage can diminish their effectiveness. The Saanich often hung bunches in houses to keep insects away.

For added potency, some harvesters combine dried vanilla leaf with bruised leaves of sweet gale, enhancing its insect-repellent properties.

Chewing vanilla leaf—without swallowing—has been used to ease childbirth.