Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple)

Mayapple is a woodland plant that is grown as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers rich, moist, humusy soils. Often forms large colonies in the wild. Will self-seed under optimal growing conditions. As with many of the early spring wildflowers, mayapple goes dormant in summer. It blooms March-May to a height of 12–18". Flowers are quite showy but are usually hidden by the umbrella-like leaves. They mature into a green, yellow or red fleshy fruit. Note: All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the fruit can be safely eaten once it has turned yellow.

Mayapple is native to most of the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bee species. Larval host for the golden borer moth and the mayapple borer. Ripe fruit are eaten by mammals, which then disperse the seeds. Deer avoid the bitter and toxic foliage. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo by Kathy Thornton

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