Common Name: Mayapple
Botanical Name: Podophyllum peltatum
Plant family: Berberidaceae
Location: Art Trail, Rock Ledge Trail, Tulip Tree Trail
Growing zone: 3-9
Height: 8-16 in.
Spread: 4-6 ft.
Bloom time: March, April, May
Bloom description: White, nodding flowers grow underneath the large foliage of this woodland perennial. The flowers are 2 in. wide with 6-9 petals.
Leaf type: The large, umbrella-like foliage of the Mayapple is the main attraction for this perennial. The light-green leaves can reach a diameter of 10 in.
Garden uses: Mayapple is another choice selection for a native groundcover. They form large colonies over several years and can shade out smaller plants, so give this one room in your garden. A better use of this perennial is to help naturalize or stablize large areas that are prone to erosion.
Wildlife benefits: Box turtles are one of the animals that relish the fruit that gives this perennial its common name.