Mayapple
(Podophyllum peltatum)
Flowering stems of this rhizomatous perennial have 2 roughly circular 3-7 lobed, peltate leaves 6-8 inches wide. The single, waxy white flower is about 2 inches in diameter and grows beneath the leaves. The berry that develops is the “apple” of the plant. It is reported that the apple can be eaten however the roots, stems and leaves are poisonous.
Native to the eastern US, they are frequent in low, alluvia woods and moist meadows. Because they spread by rhizomes, Mayapples spread into large colonies. One plant can cover as much as an acre of woodlands.
The plants are medicinal but poisonous in large amounts. April-May.
