Family: Berberidaceae
Author: DC.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 35 (1821)
Year: 1821
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Achlys
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Canada to N. California
Description
Achlys triphylla, commonly known as “Sweet after death,” is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. This distinctive species can be found across a range extending from southwestern Canada to northern California.
The plant was first described scientifically in 1821, as noted in the “Systema Naturae” by the esteemed botanist DC. Its intriguing common name, “Sweet after death,” is derived from its unique characteristic of emitting a sweet fragrance, particularly noticeable after the leaves have dried and after the plant itself has ceased to bloom.
Achlys triphylla thrives in the damp, shaded woodlands of its native region, often emerging in places with rich, moist soil. It can be readily identified by its umbrella-like cluster of three large leaflets, which contribute to its Latin name “triphylla” (tri: three, phylla: leaves). This perennial herbaceous plant displays small, white flowers that appear in delicate, brush-like clusters on slender stalks during the blooming season.
Given its ecological preferences, Achlys triphylla serves as an excellent indicator of forest health in its native habitats and plays a crucial role in the undergrowth community, supporting a range of ecosystem functions. Enthusiasts and botanists alike appreciate this plant for both its subtle beauty and its unique aromatic properties that highlight nature’s complexity and the diversity of floral adaptations.
Common Names
Eng: deer-foot, deerfoot, deervetch vanillaleaf, sweet after death, vanilla-leaf, vanillaleaf, sweet-after-death
Fra: achlyde à trois folioles, achlyde
En: Sweet after death, Deer-foot, Deerfoot, Deervetch vanillaleaf, Vanilla-leaf, Vanillaleaf, Sweet-after-death
Fr: Achlyde à trois folioles, Achlyde
Synonyms
- Leontice triphylla (Sm.)
Distribution
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Christina Mortimer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Gavin McPhail (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2022 by bones jackdaw (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Cyberspace Archives (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by laura m (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371714)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:106370-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Achlys triphylla DC.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb