About Achlys triphylla (Sm.) DC.
Achlys triphylla (Sm.) DC. is an herb that grows up to 50 centimetres (20 in) tall. It forms spreading patches made up of paired stalks; one stalk is topped by a single leaf, while the other bears a flower spike. The leaf is trifoliate, with individual leaflets reaching up to 10 cm (4 in) in length. The middle leaflet has between 3 and 5 teeth, and can exceptionally have as many as 8. Dried leaves of this species carry a scent similar to vanilla. It blooms from April to June, producing a flower spike that grows up to 5 cm (2 in) long. Its small flowers do not have petals or sepals, but do have 6 to 13 white stamens. This species is native to mountain forests on the West Coast of North America. It has been recorded in the Cascades and the Coast Ranges, within the ranges of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California, growing at elevations up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). Multiple Pacific Northwest tribes use an infusion made from its leaves as a drink to treat tuberculosis. One Lummi informant reported that the whole plant can be mashed and soaked in water, and the resulting water is drunk as an emetic.
