Gardening 101: Mayapples

Mayapples, Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a local North American woodland plant that goes by many names: mayflower, mandrake, and my favourite, raccoon berry. This low-growing, two-leafed plant loves the wealthy, moist, shady soil of forests. And whereas not a shrub, they’re a part of the barberry household (Berberidaceae).

The Native People used the plant for medicinal functions, primarily as a purge and to rid themselves of parasites; the plant is extraordinarily toxic, although, and will be deadly. Some literature says the fruit, as soon as ripe, is edible. Nevertheless there’s a lot dialogue as to when the fruit is absolutely ripe, whether or not or not it’s not toxic or simply mildly so, and lastly whether or not or not you’ll be able to eat the seeds. In different phrases, don’t danger it.

Mayapples are distinctive trying crops that may be a lovely focal point in your native woodland backyard through the spring and early summer time. The fruit is eaten by deer, raccoons, and field turtles.

Cheat Sheet

• Mayapples are simply identifiable by their two giant leaves that appear to be a cross between a duck’s foot and an umbrella.
• They will develop between one and two toes tall, and their single white flower is pollinated by bumblebees and butterflies.
• They go dormant within the mid to late summer time.
• As a result of their toxicity, they’re deer-resistant, however the deer will eat the fruit.
• Hold youngsters and animals away from the plant.
• In Florida, they’re a protected plant.
• They are often planted beneath black walnuts since they tolerate juglone.

Hold It Alive

• Mayapples love shade and moisture. You probably have ferns in your backyard, likelihood is that mayapples might be completely satisfied there, too.
• They take pleasure in acidic soil and are comparatively pest-free.
• They unfold by rhizomes and may type giant colonies.
• It’s greatest to buy a few crops from a accountable and respected supply somewhat than making an attempt to begin by seed, which is pretty tough. You’ll need a number of crops, since they don’t self fertilize, if you wish to see the ‘raccoon berry’.