Vanilla Plant (Trilisa odoratissima)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Trilisa odoratissima is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring, they have the scent of vanilla. — The leaves are used as a flavouring, they have the scent of vanilla.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Low pinelands. Pine barrens. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)