mayapple

Family

Berberidaceae

Scientific Name

Podophyllum peltatum

Other Common Names:

162devil's 162 apple

American mandrake

Indian apple

hogapple

mayflower

umbrella plant

wild lemon

wild mandrake

Leaves

Leaves: Usually only 1 per erect stem, sometimes 2, approximately 4 to 14 inches in diameter. Leaves are circular in outline and divided into 5 to 9 segments that arise from a central point. Roots: Rhizomes and a fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics

A perennial herb with large, umbrella-like leaves that primarily grows in woods and forests.The tendency of this plant to grow only in wooded areas, the large, umbrella-like leaves that are divided into 5 to 9 segments arising from a central point, and the characteristic apple-like berry are all characteristics that help in the identification of mayapple.

Flower Seed Head

Stems: Erect, unbranching, 8 to 20 inches in height. Flowers: A single white flower occurs on each plant, approximately 3/4 to 2 inches in width with 6 to 9 petals.

Seed Fruit

A relatively large (1 1/4 to 2 inch long) yellow or red berry that resembles an apple.

Growth Habit

upright and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

Varies:

nickle,

quarter,

half dollar,

larger

Dominant Flower Color

Varies:

white,

yellow

Flower Symmetry

radial symmetery

Leaf Hairs

Varies:

has hairs,

no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies:

heart,

oval

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

serrated

Leaf Structure

palmate

Leaf Stalk

Varies:

shorter than leaf,

longer than leaf

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

Varies:

fibrous,

rhizomes present

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb