Podophyllum Peltatum ‘Mayapple’

Podophyllum peltatum is an East Coast native that has bold, deeply lobed, light green palmate leaves. These unique plants produce a single white bloom in the leaf axil in April or May, followed by a single green “apple” or fruit which is how it received its common name, ‘Mayapple.’  The green “apple” turns gold as it ripens. The leaves and roots are Highly Toxic if ingested and only the RIPE fruit is edible.  

Podophyllum peltatum, coming from a woodland environment, likes moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a partially shaded spot. Despite the plant having a tendency to naturalize freely due to its rhizomatous nature, it is not typically recommended as a border plant because it goes dormant in the summer. This plant is used in wild and native gardens and is only drought tolerant in forest settings, but is deer resistant. The best time to divide the plant is in fall.