Trilisa odoratissima (J.F. Gmelin) Cassini. Deer's-tongue, Vanilla-leaf. Phen: Late Jun-Oct; Sep-Nov. Hab: Moist to mesic pine savannas and flatwoods. Dist: Se. NC south to c. peninsular FL and west to e. LA.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Other Comments: T. odoratissima has the largest leaves of our species of Carphephorus, Trilisa, and Litrisa; its leaves are normally wider than 3 cm, and have a very wide and prominent midrib, usually purple toward the base of the leaf and white toward the tip. This species contains coumarin and gives off a pleasant vanilla odor when drying; it is gathered from the wild and used as a supplementary flavoring in cigarettes.

Synonymy: = K4, Bridges & Orzell (2017b) in Weakley et al (2017); = Carphephorus odoratissimus (J.F.Gmel.) Herb. – DeLaney, Bissett, & Weidenhamer (1999); = Carphephorus odoratissimus (J.F.Gmel.) Herb. var. odoratissimus – Fl7, FNA21, K3, WH3, Orzell & Bridges (2002); = Trilisa odoratissima (J.F.Gmel.) Cass. var. odoratissima – Schilling (2011b); < Carphephorus odoratissimus (J.F.Gmel.) Herb. – GW2, K1, SE1, Correa & Wilbur (1969); < Trilisa odoratissima (J.F.Gmel.) Cass. – RAB, S

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily ?: 9