May Apple

(Podophyllum peltatum)

 

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May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Identification: Flowers white with 6 to 8 petals, hanging downward on a stalk arising from the junction of the two leaves. Plant with two round, but much divided leaves. Leaves forming an umbrella over the flower. Fruit a round, fleshy fruit with a slight lemon smell. Plant 12 to 18 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: May Apple is found in a variety of woods and clearings, typically forming colonies.

Flowering period: April to June.

Comments: May Apple is one of the most distinctive, common signs of spring in the woods of eastern North America. The fruit is edible, but all other parts of the plant are poisonous.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Similar Species:

The flowers, fruit, and leaves are distinctive for the May Apple.

Similar Species

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