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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) — with a single white flower blooming beneath in late spring; so consider partnering Mayapples with, image 91
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 134
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — ground cover with white blooms; although the fruit is edible when fully ripe and may be used to make jellies
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — serves as a distinctive and enchanting addition to woodland or shade gardens; is a shade-loving, image 125
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple; with a single white flower blooming beneath in late spring
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — white flowers in the garden
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — making it a surprisingly carefree option for the shaded regions of a landscape; it grows up to, image 113
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 98
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple; with a single white flower blooming beneath in late, image 117
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Their foliage offers great ground coverage until midsummer when the plant goes dormant; all other, image 111
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — so consider partnering Mayapples with other shade-loving perennials for a season-long display; white flowers
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — the Mayapple emerges as a fleshy stalk; also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum, image 72
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — ground cover with white blooms
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — Its distinctive umbrella-like leaves reach up to 18 inches wide; the flower gives way to a, image 90
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 106
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — and by May (hence its name), image 73
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliage; ground cover for half or shade
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — also known as Indian Apple or Podophyllum peltatum; their foliage offers great ground coverage, image 95
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — making it a surprisingly carefree option for the shaded regions of a landscape; it grows up to, image 84
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — commonly called May Apple or Indian Apple; with a single white flower blooming beneath in late, image 59
May Apple, Indian Apple (Podophyllum Peltatum) — hidden beneath its foliage; ground cover for half or shade, image 75
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 47
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 71
Photographs by 13 contributors

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