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
Family | Berberidaceae |
Genus | Podophyllum |
Species | peltatum |
Category | Perennials, Wildflowers & Weeds |
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Fruit is edible, but may have laxative effects. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | 1a - 8a |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -40 - (-9) |
Temperature (°F) | -40 - 20 |
Height | 30 - 45 cm |
Spread | 22 - 30 cm |
Growth | Fast |
Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
Landscape | Used in wild or woodland gardens, or in a moist and shaded border. |
Propagation | Propagate by division or from fresh, ripe seed. |
Cultivation | Grow in filtered sun or shade, in a moist, rich, deep soil. |
Notable Specimens | The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Joany’s Woods, West Williams, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada. |
Habitat | Eastern North American woodlands. |
Leaf Description | Palmate 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 Description | The single secund white flower 3-5 cm diameter, with 6-8 petals, is produced at the axil of the two leaves. |
Fruit Description | Yellowish-green fruit 2-5 cm long, produced early summer and ripens later in summer. |