Vanilla Plant

Carphephorus odoratissimus
AKA: Trilisa odoratissima

*Available Upon Request*
Size: 1 Gallon Availability

Flower
Max size: 4’ tall x 1′ wide
Average Size: 3′ tall x 1′ wide

Sand
Sun, Part shade
Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
No salt tolerance

AKA: Vanillaleaf, Deertongue

Vanilla plants bloom purple in summer. They are winter dormant, and as their leaves dry they emit a vanilla scent when crushed. They do not need pruned but can be cut back in winter after they dry. They are not edible. They spread slowly by adding pups next to mature plants. Attracts many bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Documented species of bees include Augochlorella aurata, Dianthidium floridiense, Coelioxys octodentata, C. sayi, Megachile albitarsis, M. inimica, and Bombus pennsylvanicus.

The fragrance in the leaves comes from them containing coumarin, which used to be used to add flavor and fragrance to tobacco, which implies it would still be useful for aromatherapies such as smudge sticks, incense, or potpourri. Gently crushing the leaves to release the smell can also be a fun interactive trait for kids.

Additional sources: Florida Wildflower Foundation (1) (2)