Umbrellas in the shade garden is a good way to describe this plant. Pairs of large notched leaves, up to 1′ wide, are held on 12-18″ stalks. Beautifully simple creamy white single flowers dangle under its leaves in spring, a delight to see! The ‘apples’ which are the seed bodies, form in May. All plant parts are poisonous. A great ground cover plant. Will go dormant in dry situations and in summer. Spreads by runners.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Plant Type: Spring Ephemeral
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
12 to
18
inches
Spread:
15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
A wonderful groundcover for the shade-will add a naturalized look quickly to a new garden due to the size of its leaves.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers shade and moderate to moist, loamy soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.