Mayapple

(Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as Mayapple, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in the dappled shade of rich, moist deciduous forests, often forming extensive colonies via its underground rhizomes. It is native to the understory of forests in Eastern and Central United States and Southeast Canada, where it contributes to the biodiversity of the woodland floor. Mayapples reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height and spread to form a carpet-like ground cover. Each plant produces a single, deeply lobed, umbrella-like leaf, or occasionally two leaves with a solitary flower nestled between them. The flowers, which bloom in April to June depending on the local climate, are typically white, but can also be yellow or red, measuring 2–6 cm in diameter with 6–9 waxy petals. Following flowering, the plant produces a green, yellow, or red fleshy fruit 2–5 cm long, which matures in late summer.

The Mayapple is valued for its unique foliage and charming flowers, making it a popular choice for shade gardens and naturalized areas. Its fruit, once ripened to yellow, is safe to consume and has been used in traditional medicine. Gardeners appreciate Mayapple for its low maintenance and ability to spread as a ground cover in shady spots. It requires consistently moist soil and thrives in part to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens and areas under trees where other plants might struggle. While all parts of the plant are toxic when green, the ripe fruit is non-toxic. Mayapple is also recognized for its ecological role as a larval host for certain moth species, such as the golden borer moth and the may apple borer. However, care should be taken as it can be aggressive in garden settings, potentially outcompeting other understory plants.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist deciduous forests in the understory layer

Other Names

Common Names: Indian-Apple , May Apple , Pomme De Mai , Wild-Mandrake , American Mandrake , Wild Mandrake , May-Apple , Ground Lemon , Entenfuß , Gewöhnlicher Maiapfel

Scientific Names: Podophyllum peltatum , Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii , Podophyllum peltatum f. biltmoreanum , Anapodophyllum peltatum , Podophyllum callicarpum , Podophyllum montanum , Podophyllum peltatum f. aphyllum , Podophyllum peltatum f. callicarpum , Podophyllum peltatum f. peltatum , Podophyllum peltatum var. annulare

GBIF Accepted Name: Podophyllum peltatum L.