This common woodland plant is easy to recognize with its large, umbrella-shaped leaves. Mayapple spreads by rhizome and forms long-lived colonies. The fragrant white flowers resemble apple blossoms and appear in May. Golf ball-sized fruits appear in summer and are only edible when yellow and fully ripe. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the ripe fruit. Mayapples typically need to be cross-pollinated by other plants; they are not self-fertile.

Uses: Deer & rabbit resistant, can grow under black walnut, shade gardens
Bloom time: March - June

Height: 8 to 20 inches
Space: 12 to 20 inches

Sun: Medium to full shade
Moisture: Average