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May-Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)
[poe-doe-FY-lum pel-TAY-tum]

Deciduous Perennial in the Berberidaceae Family
 

 
Available May 9
Size Notes Price Availability
#1 gallon Field $14.22 Available for Pre-Order
4/3 - 4/6
Estimated Arrival May 9
 

Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as the mayapple or the American mandrake, is a distinctive, herbaceous perennial native to the eastern and central regions of North America. This unique plant is recognized for its large, umbrella-like leaves and delicate, solitary flowers that emerge in the spring.

Growing to a height of 12-18 inches, Podophyllum peltatum is characterized by its deep green, lobed leaves that can reach up to a foot in diameter. These leaves are borne on long, flexible stems and arranged in a single, umbrella-like cluster, creating a striking, textural presence in the garden.

In early spring, the mayapple produces a single, white flower that emerges from the center of the leaf cluster. This delicate blossom, which can reach up to 2 inches in diameter, has a short lifespan but is followed by the development of a large, yellow fruit that ripens in the summer.

While the fruit of the mayapple is edible when fully ripe, the rest of the plant contains toxic compounds and should not be consumed. This unique plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, with the roots and rhizomes being used to treat a variety of ailments.

Podophyllum peltatum is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, thriving in moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade. Its reliable, spreading growth habit and low-maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas.

Whether admired for its distinctive, umbrella-like foliage, delicate spring flowers, or historical significance, the mayapple is a captivating and unique perennial that adds a touch of whimsy and character to any garden.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 12 - 18 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Shade - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet
Zones 3a - 8b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Shade, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Perennial, Shade Tolerant, Spring Ephemeral, Wet, Woodland Garden
Bloom Period April - May
Flower Color White
Animals That Use It

Fruit:

 

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More Info from Experts

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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.

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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!