Mayapple Identification: The Charming “Umbrella Plant”

A gardener rescued several plants from a wooded area before construction and has enjoyed their spread for 15 years, calling them “umbrella plants” for their distinctive foliage and hidden spring flowers. The plant is mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), which spreads via underground rhizomes. The green “apple” fruit ripens to yellow in July but is not considered edible, though it has limited herbal uses. Several photos show the plant, its nodding flower, and the fruit.

mayapple

mayapple flower

mayapple fruit