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The Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla) belongs to Berberidaceae (the Berberry family). It is perennial herb that is native to western North America, from southern British Colombia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. This herb grows in deep undisturbed forest or in the open along stream banks, and it can reach 20-40 cm in height. The leaves are palmately divided into three leaflets with long petioles. The flowers are small and lack sepals and petals, but instead have long showy white stamens that form single erect spikes, and bloom in May to June. The fruits are red-purple follicles. Native Americans used the leaves as a herbal medicine of tuberculosis, for a hair wash, and as an emetic.
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