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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
You are here: Home / Plants / Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic / Ground Covers / Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)

Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)

Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) emerging leaves in March
Unopened, peltate, vegetative leaf of Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) opening leaf in March
Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) flower buds on forked stems in April
Underside of vegetative Podophyllum peltatum leaf showing peltate attachment
Native Podophyllum peltatum flower
Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) in landscape in May
The umbrella-shaped (peltate) leaves of Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) fruit in June.

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This native ground cover spreads to carpet the floor of mixed deciduous forests from eastern Canada to Florida and is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Like its Latin epithet, single leaves are peltate (shield-like). In mid-spring, paired leaves may hide showy but sparse white flowers. Fully ripened fruit,* the mayapple, are used for preserves and jellies. Ground Cover Fertile/Vegetative Leaves,** Flower, Fruit, Colony Height: 1–2 feet Spread: 1⁄2–1 foot Bloom Color: White Characteristics Spring ephemeral, herbaceous perennial One or two palmately-lobed, sometimes mottled green leaves ≤12” in diameter on a single stem Single, nodding, waxy, six- to nine-petalled white flower emerges from the leaf axil of two-leaved ramets blooming from April to May Fleshy lemon-shaped fruit turns golden when ripe Attributes Tolerates dry soil and drought; no serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Plant colonizes by rhizomes to form dense mats, often to exclusion of other spring-flowering plants Goes dormant in summer, so not a good border plant Leaves, roots, and unripe fruit are poisonous but fully ripe fruit is edible* and used for preserves Attracts long-tongued bees; fruits attract box turtles Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil Hedera helix - English Ivy Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Hosta spp. Water Requirements: Moist Vinca minor - Periwinkle Do not mix with other plants that compete Use in woodland settings under deciduous hardwoods, but not conifers * Consult expert guides before eating. Fruit should be fully ripe–yellow/golden, soft, wrinkly, and odorous and eaten sparingly. Do not eat the seeds or skin. **Unfurling, paired fertile leaves (left); peltate, single vegetative leaves (right) Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, U.S. Nat’l Arboretum & private garden, Arlington and by Christa Watters (right column), Mount Vernon Trail, Alexandria

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)

This native ground cover spreads to carpet the floor of mixed deciduous forests from eastern Canada to Florida and is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Its umbrella-like leaves may hide showy but sparse white flowers that emerge from two-leaved plants in early spring. Its fully ripened fruit,* the mayapple, can be used for preserves and jellies.

*Consult expert guide before using/eating mayapple. Fruit should be fully ripe–yellow, soft, wrinkly, and odorous. Do not eat the seeds or skin. Do not overeat.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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