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Mayapple Mandrake Podophyllum peltatum Family - Berberidaceae - Barberry The Mayapple is a woodland wildflower of the woodland which is attractive in most of its growth phases. The plant begins to emerge in the spring and resembles a rich green mushroom as it surfaces from the leafy litter of the forest. As the rather odd looking plant developes, it slowly unfurls its snow white flower. The Mayapple will grow from twelve inches to eighteen inches tall. There will be a single snow white flower per plant, borne in the crotch of two umbrella like leaves. The flowering occurs in late April to May here in southeastern Indiana, and the small apple like fruit begins appearing in late May to June. The common name refers to the flowering time. |
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The leaves, roots, and seeds of the Mayapple are poisonous if eaten in large quantities. The
root does have some value as cathartic. It was used by the American Indians and some of the
early pioneers. The fruit, classed as a berry, is golden yellow when ripe, and can be used to
make jelly. There is only one species of this plant in the United States, and it is found primarily in the east. It tends to form rather large colonies in woodlands or near them. The other common name, Mandarin, also belongs to an European plant which is unrelated. It was given because the root is similar. |
