Podophyllum peltatum

Podophyllum peltatum, Mayapple, is a highly-desirable woodlander from Canada and the USA with lobed peltate foliage arising from the rhizomes to form a large colonising clump over time, the showy umbrella-like leaves unfurling to create a low exotic carpet resembling minature palm trees. The nodding white flower is waxy and fragrant with yellow anthers and appears in the apex of the two leaves, followed by the fruit or Mayapple which is greenish and turns golden as it ripens when it becomes edible. The ripe fruit is the only part of the plant that is edible and all other parts of Podophyllum pelatum are toxic and are used in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Podophyllum peltatum requires a shady moist aspect with a good overhead canopy to protect it from drying sunshine and where it will gradually spread to form an impressive colony. The foliage dies down in the summer and the plant goes dormant until the following spring when the the new shoots - resembling green elongated mushrooms - once again appear with all their captivating charm.

A choice plant. Limited availability.