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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Podophyllum peltatum
Early each spring leafy umbrellas open in moist deciduous forests. Many consist of two large leaves that unfold around a single bud resembling a small cap. The bud becomes a delightful creamy white flower that hangs below the leaves where it enjoys the protection of the overarching umbrella. The ovary of the flower becomes a green “apple,” which turns yellow when it is ripe. An entire “forest” of plants may originate from one plant as the edges of the colony increase each year. As a garden plant it may become too aggressive unless adequate space is left for the offspring to spread.
All parts of the plant are poisonous except the apple when it becomes ripe. Despite the toxicity of the plant, physicians use extracts of the branching rhizomes to treat certain diseases, including skin cancer. The chemical podophyllotoxin is a source of two anticancer drugs which prevent the spread of certain other types of cancer by blocking division of affected cells.
Berberidaceae (Barberrry Family)
An herbaceous perennial with leaves palmately divided into 5 to 9 segments. Fragrant flowers are 1 to 2 inches across. They have 6 sepals and 6 to 9 creamy white waxy petals. Stamens are in multiples of 3. The bloom hanging below the leaves is often turned down.
1 to 2 feet high. Leaves may be 1 foot across.
Erect; clump-forming.
Can be rapid as roots spread in all directions.
Full light in early spring and heavy or filtered shade in the summer.
Select a location to duplicate the light conditions of the native habitat and provide adequate moisture. Soil should have a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Divide or move plants in fall or before umbrellas open in spring. When dividing, leave a “bud” on each rhizome of about 4 to 5 inches. Store seeds at 40 degrees in sphagnum moss. From seed it may take a number of years for the rhizome to develop and the plant to flower.
Large shapely leaves are very attractive, and flowers are beautiful for a short period.
Better for informal woodland gardens than for formal gardens. Leaves wither in the midsummer heat. Blooms are best seen if plants are placed to be viewed from below.
Pollen of flowers attracts bumblebees and other insects. Small animals, such as turtles and birds, eat the apples. It is a host plant for the variegated fritillary.
Thrive in moist rich open deciduous woodlands throughout Georgia.
Division (best method); seeds.
Text and photo by Rosalie Jensen.
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May Apple
