Podophyllum peltatum

Common Names:

• Mayapple
• American Mandrake

Phonetic Spelling:

poh-doh-FIL-um pel-TAY-tum

Description:

• Appearance: A low-growing, woodland perennial with umbrella-like leaves and single white flowers that give way to yellow fruits.
• Leaves: Large, deeply lobed, umbrella-shaped leaves.
• Flowers: Single white flowers beneath the leaves.
• Fruits: Yellow, apple-like fruits.

Distribution/Location:

Native to the eastern United States, commonly found in shady forests.

Environmental Benefits:

Provides food for wildlife, especially turtles, who enjoy the fruits. Crucial energy source for primary consumers.

Fun Fact:

While the fruits are edible when ripe, other parts of the plant are toxic and were used medicinally by Native Americans.