Mayapple - Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple is a woodland perennial plant with distinctive, umbrella-like leaves and a single nodding white flower beneath its foliage. When pollinated, it produces small, edible fruit commonly found in shady forest environments. It is a fascinating native plant in North America with various landscaping benefits. Its unique appearance and adaptability can contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic and ecological aspects.

Mayapple Has Stunning Drooping Blooms

There yield drooping blooms ranging from white to rose throughout spring. Their leaves are broad and umbrella-shaped, with only one blossom per leaf axil. The flowers grow up to three inches wide. Each flower boasts white filaments, anywhere from six to nine waxy petals, double the number of stamens, six green petals, and yellow anthers. Because they are transient spring plants, they are only in bloom temporarily. Upon opening, the flower releases its petals. These plants can rise to a foot and a half tall. They produce a golden-colored fruit in late May. The fruit ripens in August.

Provide a Haven for Pollinators With Mayapple

It is easy to spot for pollinators because of its large, prominent blossoms. Its display of six to nine perfectly arranged petals adds to its attractiveness. This, combined with their abundance of pollen, makes them a haven for pollinators like bees and beetles. Their early spring blooming schedule coincides nicely with the pollinating needs of many early-emerging pollinators.

As a perennial, they improve the yard's health and biodiversity yearly. These plants have a natural look that adds shade and moisture to your yard or garden. Their roots can draw water up from deeper soil levels, which helps keep the topsoil from drying out too much. Their leaves unfold and swell when the weather gets warmer, transforming into pleated spirals adorned with delicate hair around their edges. These leaves transform into intricately lobed structures resembling umbrellas, functioning as efficient machines for photosynthesis.

It grows fast and in dense clusters, helping them outcompete many weed species by limiting their access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. Their extensively spreading roots add to their ability to restrict weed growth, and their allelopathic effects inhibit weed germination by acting as a natural herbicide. Once their leaves fall off, they decay and release vital nutrients into the soil, making it healthier and hindering weed growth.

 The plant has large, umbrella-shaped leaves which attain up to 12 inches in diameter. During spring, it bears small white flowers located beneath the foliage.

 They prefer growing in shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. They grow well in soil with good drainage and organic matter. It is suited for woodland gardens where it can spread and eventually provide a thick, green ground cover.

 They require very little care once they are established. They need very little maintenance - water once or twice a week when the climate is hot and dry - so they are perfect for novice gardeners.

 They spread through rhizomes and can create large colonies over some time. With this kind of propagation, they are ideal for erosion control and filling up a large area.

 Although they are normally grown in gardens, mayapples can be grown in large containers. Make sure your pot has proper drainage and is placed in a shaded area. Do not forget to provide the plant with soil rich in organic matter to replicate the natural habitat.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Care

Mayapple thrives in well-drained, rich soil and requires consistent moisture. Mulch near the ground to maintain soil dampness and prevent weeds. Water regularly, particularly in dry periods. Avoid disturbing the roots, as they are sensitive to transplantation.

Plant Reproduction

Mayapple spreads by rhizomes; specialized underground stems that send up new shoots.

Planting bare-root perennials is best in any season if they are dormant; we only sell dormant plants. Planting them year-round is also excellent if you can get dormant perennials. When your bare-root perennials arrive, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Lant by digging a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough to place the top portion crown (where the roots meet the stem) at or slightly above ground level. Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots—water well after planting to settle the soil around the plant and eliminate air. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture locked in, keeping the mulch away from the crown. Irrigate plants regularly during the first few weeks of drought; never water in full sun, and water late in the evenings to ensure the roots are established well. Fertilize sparingly in the first year, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in subsequent years as needed. 

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.