Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple, Umbrella Plant)

Michael's Opinion

This is a wonderful woodland plant species often found in climax forests in Southern Ontario. It is often seen carpeting the ground in large patches to the exclusion of most other species. The flower is quite large, broad petaled and white in colour. The fruit ripens to a bright red and is purported to be edible. Seldom used in the garden as a groundcover but worth the effort. It dies back to the ground in early summer thus to be effective as a groundcover it needs a companion to fill the bare spot later in the season.

Botanical Information

FamilyBerberidaceae
GenusPodophyllum
Speciespeltatum
CategoryPerennials, Wildflowers & Weeds
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Fruit is edible, but may have laxative effects.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 - (-9)
Temperature (°F)-40 - 20
Height30 - 45 cm
Spread22 - 30 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeUsed in wild or woodland gardens, or in a moist and shaded border.
PropagationPropagate by division or from fresh, ripe seed.
CultivationGrow in filtered sun or shade, in a moist, rich, deep soil.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Joany’s Woods, West Williams, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatEastern North American woodlands.
Leaf DescriptionPalmate leaves up to 20-30 cm diameter with 5-9 deeply cut lobes on reproductive individuals, or one peltate (umbrella-like) leaf on sterile individuals.
Flower DescriptionThe single secund white flower 3-5 cm diameter, with 6-8 petals, is produced at the axil of the two leaves.
Fruit DescriptionYellowish-green fruit 2-5 cm long, produced early summer and ripens later in summer.

Photographs