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May Apple, Indian Apple

Podophyllum Peltatum

Design with this plant

Overview

Podophyllum peltatum, commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple, is a shade-loving perennial native to Eastern North America. Its distinctive umbrella-like leaves reach up to 18 inches wide, with a single white flower blooming beneath in late spring. It grows up to 12-18 inches tall, forming colonies via underground rhizomes. The plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is edible when ripe, though all other parts are toxic. Ideal for woodland gardens.

Sun Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 3–7Climate Temperate
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — with a single white flower blooming beneath in late springMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — It grows up to 12-18 inches tall, forming colonies via underground rhizomesMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is edible when ripe, though all other parts are toxicMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Ideal for woodland gardensMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatumMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — serves as a distinctive and enchanting addition to woodland or shade gardens+136

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–7

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Berberidaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (143)

May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — is a shade-loving perennial native to Eastern North America
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — with a single white flower blooming beneath in late spring
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — It grows up to 12-18 inches tall, forming colonies via underground rhizomes
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is edible when ripe, though all other parts are toxic
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Ideal for woodland gardens
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — serves as a distinctive and enchanting addition to woodland or shade gardens
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — With its unique umbrella-like leaves
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches with a similar spread
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — though each stem is crowned by only one or two deeply lobed leaves
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — each extending up to 8 inches across.<br><br>In early spring
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple emerges as a fleshy stalk
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Its distinctive umbrella-like leaves reach up to 18 inches wide
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — white flower approximately 2 inches in diameter
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name)
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliage
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The flower gives way to a yellow-green fruit, the "apple," which reaches about 2 inches long by late summer
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Although the fruit is edible when fully ripe and may be used to make jellies
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — all other parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.<br><br>For optimal growth
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — plant Mayapples in medium wet
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — They form extensive colonies by rhizomes, thus providing an exotic, carpet-like effect
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Their foliage offers great ground coverage until midsummer when the plant goes dormant
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — well-drained soil with partial to full shade

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