Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla
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Family: Berberidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla is a native California perennial in the Berberidaceae family, recognized by smaller rhizome internodes, shorter stature, and longer inflorescences.
Vanilla leaf is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges, western Klamath Ranges, and western North Coast Ranges in moist shaded conifer forests at elevations below 1,830 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate spikes. Growing 20 to 40 centimeters tall with a spreading rhizomatous growth habit, it forms soft, low clusters in forest understories. Its distinctive leaves are compound with three leaflets, each broadly rounded and bright green. The plant produces small fruits 3 to 4.5 millimeters long nestled among its distinctive foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by smaller rhizome internodes, shorter stature, and longer inflorescences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist shaded sites, conifer forest
Elevation: < 1830 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Sonoma, Trinity
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla blooms Apr-Jun.
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 triphylla subsp. triphylla native to California?
Yes. Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla bloom?
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla grow?
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Sonoma, Trinity, at elevations of < 1830 m.
What plant family does Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla belong to?
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla is in the Berberidaceae family, genus Achlys.
What habitat does Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla grow in?
Achlys triphylla subsp. triphylla grows in Moist shaded sites, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.