Podophyllum peltatum – Mayapple; Wild Lemon; American Mandrake

General Information: The deeply cut, umbrella-like leaves of this common woodland wildflower grow to 12″ across, and are borne on upright stalks 12 to 18″ tall. This very tough plant spreads slowly to form a dense colony. It can make an excellent, handsome, long-lived, care-free ephemeral groundcover, and is suitable for covering large shady areas. The leaves tend to go dormant in late summer, although dormancy is delayed in cool, moist locations. Mayapple thrives here in full sun, in areas where the soil is moist, but tends to go dormant quicker than our shaded plantings. In warmer climates, these plants will fare better in drier soil if they are grown in shade. Derivatives of Mayapple have been synthesized as pharmaceuticals for treating warts and skin cancers. The plant has a history of medicinal use among Indigenous Peoples as well.

Edible Qualities: The fruit, which looks like a small Lemon and has a flavor reminiscent of tropical fruits, is edible. This plant is recommended only for the experienced forager when fully ripe in late summer. All plant parts, except for ripe fruit flesh, are poisonous if eaten. Special care should be taken not to consume the seeds or fruit skins. Exposure to sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Fruit flavor is unusually delicious, sweet, a bit sour, watery, and agreeable. It is best eaten in small quantities – larger quantities can cause digestive issues or colic.

Cultivation Details: These plants are not self-fertile. Two or more plants from different parentage are required to produce fruit. Please indicate in order notes if you would prefer plants from different parentage for fruit set. The fruit is a favorite food of Box Turtles and small rodents. Consider planting along shady streams, riverbanks, ponds, seeps, lakes, or low spots. These plants also tolerate regular garden soils, as long as they are shady, and will eventually spread to form a medium-height groundcover suitable for planting along shady borders, foundations, or as a lawn substitute. Commonly found on wooded stream banks, pond edges, and low spots, especially under Maple, Oak, and Beech trees.

Growing Requirements: Plant in partial sun to full shade. Will tolerate full sun in moist areas, or areas that receive some periodic shade throughout the day. Full sun plants tend to go dormant quicker than those in the shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Prefers loam, but will tolerate moist sand and well-drained clay. Suitable for acidic and neutral soils. Does not tolerate alkaline soils.