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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

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) — It grows up to 12-18 inches tall, forming colonies via underground rhizomes; its distinctive, image 63
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — plant Mayapples in medium wet; ground cover with white blooms, image 79
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) — 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) — each extending up to 8 inches across.<br><br>In early spring; commonly called May Apple or Indian, image 100
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Its distinctive umbrella-like leaves reach up to 18 inches wide; the flower gives way to a, image 119
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum; their foliage offers great ground coverage, image 124
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple; with a single white flower blooming beneath in late, image 88
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — so consider partnering Mayapples with other shade-loving perennials for a season-long display, image 112
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Its distinctive umbrella-like leaves reach up to 18 inches wide; the flower gives way to a, image 61
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — The plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is edible when ripe, though all other parts are toxic; with its
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — each extending up to 8 inches across.<br><br>In early spring
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — all other parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.<br><br>For optimal growth; plant Mayapples, image 107
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name)
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — well-drained soil with partial to full shade; the plant bears a yellow-green fruit, which is, image 138
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — They form extensive colonies by rhizomes, thus providing an exotic, carpet-like effect; each, image 110
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) — all other parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.<br><br>For optimal growth; plant Mayapples, image 78
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — so consider partnering Mayapples with other shade-loving perennials for a season-long display, image 141
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliage; ground cover for half or shade, image 133
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum; their foliage offers great ground coverage until midsummer
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name), image 44
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — all other parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.<br><br>For optimal growth; plant Mayapples in medium
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — so consider partnering Mayapples with other shade-loving perennials for a season-long display
Photographs by 13 contributors

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