Achlys sp.
Vanilla leaf, Vanilla Leaf
Family: Berberidaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Achlys sp. (Vanilla leaf) is a non-native California perennial in the Berberidaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Petasites: Achlys has three fan-shaped leaflets; Petasites has large, single kidney-shaped or rounded leaves.; vs Berberis: Achlys is an herb with all leaves at ground level; Berberis is a woody shrub with leaves along branches.; vs Vancouveria: Achlys has fan-shaped leaflets and dense spike flowers; Vancouveria has heart-shaped leaflets and branching clusters of reflexed flowers.; vs Tidestromia: Achlys has three-parted compound leaves and spike flowers; Tidestromia has simple opposite leaves and inconspicuous axillary flowers.; vs Allotropa: Achlys has green leaves and white flower spikes; Allotropa is a leafless red-white saprophyte.
Frequently asked questions
Is Achlys sp. native to California?
No. Achlys sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Achlys sp. belong to?
Achlys sp. is in the Berberidaceae family, genus Achlys.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.