The Vanilla plant aka Vanilla leaf is a short-lived perennial that goes dormant in the winter and is the sunflower family. There are showy lavender/purple flowers. It likes partial shade to full sun. It works well in wild flower gardens and meadows. Mature plants will grow pups next to the main plant and over time slowly spread in the landscape. Not salt tolerant. It likes sandy soil. The flowers attract many butterflies, bees and other pollinators.