Mayapple

Common Names

May Apple, American Mandrake, Behen, Devil's Apple, Duck's Foot, Ground Lemon, Hog Apple, Indian Apple, Indian May Apple, Peca, Raccoon Berry, Wild Jalap, Wild Lemon Tree, Wild Mandrake

Summary

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a rhizomatous woodland perennial native to eastern North America that forms large colonies via underground rhizomes and grows about 12–18 inches tall with one or two umbrella-like, deeply lobed leaves, a nodding white flower often fragrant appearing in spring from the leaf axil, followed by a greenish fruit that ripens to golden yellow and is edible when fully ripe, while leaves and roots are poisonous, preferring partial to full shade, it thrives in rich, moist, well-drained, humusy soil and tolerates drought once established, spreading by rhizomes to form colonies, propagation is best by division in fall or early spring, with seed propagation possible but slow, hardy in zones 3–8, it is commonly used as woodland ground cover and for naturalizing native plantings, and the edible fruit is used for preserves and jellies, though caution remains because all other parts are poisonous, it is not ideal as a border plant due to summer dormancy.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade; tolerates Full Shade and Partial Sun when soil remains consistently moist.

Soil Type

Well-drained, rich, moist, humus-rich, acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral; prefers acidic soils.

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (April–June)

Foliage Color

Green, pale green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast, 6–20 cm per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division (via underground rhizomes)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts wildlife