Lots Of Mayapples

April 11, 2026

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum).  An herbaceous perennial plant that’s between 1 to 1.5 feet tall. They’re native to nearly every state east of the Rocky Mountains, from the Great Lakes down to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Nonflowering stems of each plant produce a single leaf. Flowering stems produce a pair of leaves. Very soon buds will form into fragrant white flowers, opening to 1.5 to nearly 3 inches wide. Thereafter, the fruit is produced.

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. And if you dare, the fully ripe yellow “apple” is said to be edible, but caution must be taken even then. Seeds must be removed and those “apples” should be eaten in cautious moderation. Not a step I’d be willing to take.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!

Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

2 thoughts on “Lots Of Mayapples”

    1. Oh Linda! I adore the turtles that we have here. Even the snapping turtles that don’t want me to pick them up to save them from traffic in the road!
      So very glad you read my posts!
      Bren

Comments are closed.