Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)
| Also known as: | Wild Mandrake, Ground Lemon |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Podophyllum |
| Family: | Berberidaceae (Barberry) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade; rich woods |
| Bloom season: | May - June |
| Plant height: | 1 to 2 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: FACU NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flower]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/podophyllum-peltatum_010.jpg)
A single nodding flower 1 to 2 inches across on a stalk arising where the stem forks at the top of the plant. Flowers have 6 to 9 round white petals and twice as many yellow stamens surrounding a pale greenish yellow columnar ovary in the center.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/podophyllum-peltatum_001.jpg)
Leaves are umbrella-like, up to 16 inches in diameter, palmately lobed in 5 to 9 parts; lobes may be further divided or deeply notched at the tip and lobe edges may be toothed to varying degrees. Flowering plants have a pair of leaves forking at the top of the stem, each leaf on a long stalk. Sterile plants have a single leaf. Leaves and stems are hairless. The base of the main stem is sheathed.
Fruit:
![[photo of developing fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/podophyllum-peltatum-fruit.jpg)
Fruit is an oval berry about 2 inches long that ripens to yellow, containing several seeds.
Notes:
The natural range of Mayapple is limited to the southeastern part of the state, south of Dakota County, but this species does well in garden settings farther north, and is gaining popularity. It can form large colonies, spreading by its root system (rhizomes),
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More photos
Mayapple plants
a colony of Mayapple
more flowers
emerging plants in early springPhotos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken at the U of M Arboretum, and in private gardens in St. Louis and Washington counties
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-04-21 21:03:45
This is a good shade alternative to hosta - also european garden slugs (biological control of hosta) don't eat it - also wild ginger, dutchmen breeches & wild lily-of-valley & a fern or two - fill in an area as well as anything.
on: 2010-05-16 21:17:26
I saw this plant blooming in May at both Big Woods and Lake Louise state parks. The leaves are so big that the flowers are a pleasant surprise underneath.
on: 2011-08-15 15:59:13
We have a good patch growing on our property.
on: 2012-02-22 14:08:08
my cat died from eating a part of the leaf from this plant :(
on: 2012-04-19 11:29:52
We have a wild patch growing in the woods on our property. Tens years and still going.
on: 2013-04-28 22:48:12
Just popping up from the soil in our yard.
on: 2014-05-11 18:19:40
Was at Nerstrand Big Woods SP this weekend. Lot of big colonies here but are not flowering yet. Plants are tall though.
on: 2015-05-25 08:55:14
Camping this weekend, saw just a half dozen blooms among a colony of hundreds of umbrella leaves on the way to our walk-in site. What a humble, beautiful bloom.
on: 2015-05-26 22:39:10
Saw a colony alongside the Oak Hill Trail. I did not know what they were at the time; the large leaves caught my eye, but the white bloom underneath the leaves is what intrigued me.
on: 2017-05-25 12:20:57
We have a large colony of May Apple growing with Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Bloodroot and Yellow Lady Slippers, under a large Oak tree. I believe my wife moved them here from out in the woods, several years ago, as I have seen them in the area we call Moe woods.
on: 2018-04-09 03:30:54
Well, despite what the above says, I have found several large colonies in Elm Creek Park Reserve, north of Dakota County. Perhaps escaped from a garden? However, it appears to be in native habitat.
on: 2019-04-29 17:52:16
We have these coming up in our yard right now.
on: 2020-05-05 10:38:53
I discovered a May Apple growing on the east side of our house (up against the brick) behind a dogwood shrub. Have not seen one of these in decades. Grew up in Iowa City and we had a big patch in our 'woods'.
on: 2021-04-19 15:41:29
Lots of 'em!
on: 2023-08-19 11:46:57
We purchased a plant from the UofM extension sale years ago and it has been prpagating in our flower garden. The year we harvested several fruits. I followed directitions for eating them - only the ripened fruit - seeds removed. it tastes like lemon and peach.