The Mayapple

The Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is an easily identified perennial and a spring ephemeral. Nothing else looks even remotely like it. It spreads via rhizomes to form large colonies.

Mayapple plants grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches. The leaves are large relative to the overall size of the plant, attaining a width of up to 1 foot. The unique foliage is deeply indented on the margins. It's reminiscent of an umbrella when it first unfurls in spring.  The plant has has a single short-lived flower that occurs at the fork between the two leaf stems. It's attractive but not very showy, due to its nodding habit.  The "apple" fruit succeeds the flower.