How to Grow and Care for Mayapple

With only two leaves and one flower, the mayapple is showy and unique. The name stems from the blooming time in the Northern Hemisphere and the fact that the flowers resemble those of apple trees. The fruit of the mayapple that develops over the summer can, if fully ripened, be used in jams and jellies, while the unripe fruit and other parts of this plant are all poisonous and could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma.

An herbaceous perennial plant native to China, the many-flowered Chinese mayapple is perfect for planting in woodland gardens and even in containers. This unusual and rare plant has large glossy leaves that are shaped like stars. This plant repels deers because some parts of it are harmful when eaten.

Mayapple, this plant is native to the eastern half of the United States and is often found growing in wooded areas. The large umbrella-like leaves emerge from a single stem in early spring, followed by a single white flower resembling a buttercup. Mayapples contain toxic compounds and should not be ingested raw.

Himalayan mayapple is a deciduous perennial that thrives in humus-rich soils. This frost-hardy plant prefers shaded areas. It usually takes a couple of years for this plant to fully develop, but eventually forms a considerable colony. The roots of this plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Podophyllum difforme bears distinct, deeply lobed leaves that form an umbrella-like canopy over its maroon or purple flower, which remains hidden beneath. Adapted to shaded woodland floors, this plant’s unique leaf structure helps capture scarce sunlight, maximizing photosynthesis. The formation of its fruit, resembling a small apple, is dependent on the limited light penetrating its dense habitat.