ExplorePlants

mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple is a fun plant that grows in shady forests. It has big, umbrella-like leaves and produces a yellow fruit that looks like a little apple. But be careful, not all parts of the plant are safe to eat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The mayapple has large, deeply lobed leaves that often look like tiny green umbrellas, usually two per flowering stem. A single white or pale yellow flower is tucked underneath these distinctive leaves, later developing into a small, lemon-yellow fruit.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyBerberidaceaeGenusPodophyllum
mayapple
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
mayapple

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Indigenous peoples traditionally used mayapple for various medicinal purposes, especially its roots.

Its name comes from the apple-like fruit that ripens in late spring or early summer!

Mayapple leaves emerge rolled up like tiny cigars before unfurling into their signature umbrella shape.

Though most parts are toxic, some animals like box turtles safely enjoy the ripe, yellow fruits.

Special abilities

Ability

Umbrella Shield

Mayapple has broad, umbrella-like leaves that shelter its flower and developing fruit from rain and direct sunlight.

Ability

Underground Network

Mayapple can spread quickly using strong underground stems called rhizomes, forming large colonies across the forest floor.

Ability

Toxic Defense

Most parts of the mayapple plant are highly toxic, helping it to deter hungry herbivores from eating its leaves and roots.

Measurements & details

Height
30-45 cm
Spread
30-45 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

American MandrakeWild Mandrake

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat any part of the plant except the ripe fruit, and always ask an adult before trying new foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is mayapple?

30-45 cm

How wide does mayapple spread?

30-45 cm

How big are the flowers on mayapple?

3-5 cm

When does mayapple bloom?

Spring

Is mayapple edible?

Yes

Is mayapple toxic?

High

What is mayapple's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is mayapple pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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