Podophyllum peltatum
May apple
A herbaceous perennial with creeping rhizomes producing a series of upright, pale fleshy stems, topped with glossy, deeply lobed, umbrella-like leaves. Some stems produce a single leaf, others produce two along with a nodding, fragrant, waxy white flower from the leaf axil. Flowers are often hidden by the foliage when viewing from above, and are followed by oval fruits, beginning green and ripening to yellow
Other common names
American mandrakebehen
see moredevil's apple
duck's foot
ground lemon
hog apple
Indian apple
Indian May apple
peca
raccoon berry
wild jalap
wild lemon tree
wild mandrake
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Podophyllum are rhizomatous perennials with lobed leaves, varying in shape from hexagon to starburst, with a central stem. The leaves are thick and textured, with prominent veins and often marbled or mottled in shades of green and brown. The flowers are cup- or bell-shaped, upright or hanging, in red, pink or white, and may be followed by red or yellow fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in humus-rich, moist soil in part or full shade; ideal for a woodland garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by division in spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs on young growth
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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