Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple is sometimes referred to as the Umbrella Plant because of its large, palmate leaves. The leaves unfurl in spring and shelter a single, fragrant white flower located in the 'Y' of the stem. The flowers are beneficial for a variety of early season pollinators.

As a woodland native, Mayapple does in any well-drained soil in shade to partial sun, and is known to grow well under some pines. Planted two feet apart, the plants can creep to form a solid 1 - 2 foot high groundcover in two seasons. After blooming, the mayapple flower produces a yellow apple-like fruit. When the fruit ripens and softens the weight of the fruit eventually causes the senescing stalk to bend over and set the fruit on the ground. The plants are dormant later in the summer.

The "apple" emits a fruity aroma that is attractive to box turtles. The consumed fruit and seeds pass through the turtle's digestive system to be deposited away from the parent plant. Studies show that seeds transported by turtles have 40% higher germination success than those simply left on the ground. There is some evidence that other mammals, such as the opossum and racoon, may also disperse the seed. Note: The fruit and plant parts are poisonous to humans in large amounts.

Attracts: 🐝 
Light: part to full shade 
Soil: dry to medium 
Mature Height: 1'-2'