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May Apple, Indian Apple

Podophyllum Peltatum

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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 3–7Type Ground coverClimate Temperate
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name), image 102
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — each extending up to 8 inches across.<br><br>In early spring; commonly called May Apple or Indian, image 129May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple emerges as a fleshy stalk; also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatumMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliageMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Although the fruit is edible when fully ripe and may be used to make jellies; the Mayapple emerges, image 135May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Ideal for woodland gardens; hidden beneath its foliageMay Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches with a similar spread; white flower, image 127+156

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–7

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Ground cover
Family
Berberidaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (163)

May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name), image 102
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — each extending up to 8 inches across.<br><br>In early spring; commonly called May Apple or Indian, image 129
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple emerges as a fleshy stalk; also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliage
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Although the fruit is edible when fully ripe and may be used to make jellies; the Mayapple emerges, image 135
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Ideal for woodland gardens; hidden beneath its foliage
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches with a similar spread; white flower, image 127
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — is a shade-loving perennial native to Eastern North America
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — is a shade-loving perennial native to Eastern North America; the Mayapple typically grows to a, image 89
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple emerges as a fleshy stalk; also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum, image 101
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The flower gives way to a yellow-green fruit, the "apple," which reaches about 2 inches long by, image 105
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is edible when ripe, though all other parts are toxic, image 93
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — white flowers in the garden; though each stem is crowned by only one or two deeply lobed leaves, image 85
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — They form extensive colonies by rhizomes, thus providing an exotic, carpet-like effect; each extending up to 8
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) — With its unique umbrella-like leaves; serves as a distinctive and enchanting addition to woodland, image 97
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — well-drained soil with partial to full shade
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — is a shade-loving perennial native to Eastern North America; the Mayapple typically grows to a height of 12 to
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — with a single white flower blooming beneath in late spring; so consider partnering Mayapples with other
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — white flowers in the garden; though each stem is crowned by only one or two deeply lobed leaves, image 114
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — all other parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.<br><br>For optimal growth; plant Mayapples, image 136
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — ground cover for half or shade
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — white flower approximately 2 inches in diameter; well-drained soil with partial to full shade, image 103
Photographs by 13 contributors

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