•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Vanillaleaf Plant typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 1 to 3 feet tall.
•Phenology: Perennial herb with clusters of small pink to purple flowers that bloom in late summer to fall.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of various soil types
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Tolerant of drought once established; prefers moderately moist soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming period; may benefit from division every few years to maintain vigor
•Considerations: Vanillaleaf Plant is highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies, and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Vanillaleaf Plant is valued as an ornamental plant and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for respiratory ailments.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Vanillaleaf Plant is often found growing alongside other native plants in various habitats, including species such as Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as butterflies; provides habitat and food for insects and other wildlife.