may-apple
Podophyllum peltatum
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall9 to 12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland settings, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Two umbrella-like leaves open to hide a single white flower, and the plant spreads by rhizomes into dense mats. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. The leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous.
Pairs well with Wood lily, Woodland phlox, and Royal fern.
Native range
Eastern North America south to Texas.