What’s Growing Nearby? There are many woodland companions to Podophyllum peltatum. They spread rapidly by underground rhizomes which can extend several feet.Įarly leaves of Podophyllum peltatum in woodland habitat on Ozark Edge When they are happy, they can form large colonies. Habitat- Rich mesic woods are the preferred habitat of May apples. It enlarges and turns yellow when ripe in early summer.īloom Time- On Ozark Edge, Podophyllum peltatum begins flowering in early April and persists into early May. Macro view of the yellow stamens, ovary and stigma

Showy flower with white petals and bright yellow stamens The stigma is a mealy growth at the tip of the ovary. A large greenish-yellow ovary is surrounded by the stamens. The white flower has 6 – 9 waxy petals and many bright yellow stamens.

By mid summer, the entire leaf yellows and returns to the earth. The leaves are bright green, but after flowering become covered with yellow spots. The leaves continue to grow after flowering and can reach up to 16 inches across. Single flower arising at the fork of the stemĮach palmate leaf has 5-9 lobes. These twin-leafed plants will produce a single flower arising on a stalk where the stem forks. Each leg of the “y” is a long petiole which terminates at the inner margin of a leaf. Those with twin leaves have a solitary stem, which divides like the letter “y”. Single leafed plants do not produce a flower. The plants have either one or two leaves. Newly emerged leaf of May apples from early March to April The leaf is folded around the stalk at first, and then slowly opens like an umbrella as the stalk grows in height. Nodding flower underneath two umbrella like leavesĭescription- Podophyllum peltatum is one of the first plants to emerge from the ground in early spring. The pretty flower is usually in a nodding position and often hidden underneath the large leaves. This is confusing because it is not at all related to the European Mandrake- a plant with purple flowers.īloom Color- The flower of Podophyllum peltatum consists of waxy white petals with prominent yellow stamens. The bloom is large, being about 2 inches across. Another common name is American mandrake. The most frequently used common name is May apple and refers to the lemon shaped fruit that appears after flowering. Latin Name/Common Name- The scientific name “ Podophyllum” is derived from the Greek word, podos, meaning foot, and phyllon, meaning leaf. You usually have to search for their flowers, which are often hidden underneath the large umbrella leaves. Either way, their distinctive leaves add a rich texture and drama to the woodlands. Sometimes they are spaced just enough apart to share the rich earth with a few friends. With each huge leaf in close contact with its neighbor, the forest floor can be completely hidden for large stretches. Colonies of Podophyllum peltatum form lush green carpets in the woodlands of Ozarkedge.

May apple color