Common Name: Mayapple

Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum

Family: Berberidaceae

Habitat: Woodlands, Near Streams or Creeks

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Spring

Height: Up to 1 foot and 6 inches

Light: Partial shade to deep shade

Soil: Moist, Sandy, Loamy

Pollinators: Bees

Other: Highly poisonous

Description: Mayapple is a native perennial wildflower that is easily recognized by its one or two large, green, umbrella-like leaves. Each spring, some Mayapples grow a single, white flower on the stem underneath the large “umbrella” leaves above. Pollinated flowers are followed each summer by fruits, which are a favorite food source for native box turtles! Mayapple colonizes from a single root in woodlands and along streams or creeks, where it grows in moist soil and shady conditions. Although Mayapple is delightful to look at, all parts of the plant except the fruit are highly poisonous and should not be touched. This photo of a Mayapple was taken along the Little Huckleberry Creek Path at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.