Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Mayapple is a native North American woodland perennial with large umbrella-like leaves and a single nodding white flower. It symbolizes hidden beauty, mystery, and the quiet power of nature.
Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
Spring (April–June)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: cestrums and tricyrtiss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Mayapple holds a prominent place in Native American ethnobotany, valued as both a powerful medicinal plant and a symbol of the forest's hidden gifts. Its flower blooms modestly beneath its own canopy of leaves — only visible to those who look closely — making it a poetic symbol of beauty concealed from the casual observer. In folk medicine and Appalachian traditions, it was known as a potent healing plant, though its toxicity also gave it a reputation for danger and mystery.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial to full shade; ideal for woodland understory plantings
Water
Consistent moisture preferred; tolerates dry conditions once dormant in summer
Soil
Moist, Humus-rich, Well-drained to moderately moist, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant rhizomes in fall or early spring in moist, humus-rich soil
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season; plants go dormant by midsummer
Avoid disturbing established colonies — they spread slowly via rhizomes
Leaves and roots are toxic; handle with care and keep away from children and pets
Pairs beautifully with trillium, wild ginger, and ferns in shade gardens
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Woodland and shade gardens as ground cover
- Native plant gardens and naturalized woodland areas
- Underplanting beneath deciduous trees
- Rain gardens and moist shaded borders
- Textural foliage interest in spring landscapes
Traditional Uses
- Podophyllotoxin, a compound extracted from Mayapple roots, is used in modern medicine as the basis for anti-cancer drugs (etoposide and teniposide) for treating certain cancers
- Used historically by Native American tribes as a strong cathartic and to treat warts
- CAUTION: All parts except the ripe yellow fruit are toxic if ingested
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mayapple
Is mayapple toxic?
Yes, most parts of the Mayapple plant are toxic, including the leaves, stems, roots, and unripe fruit. Only the fully ripe yellow fruit is edible in small quantities. The roots contain podophyllotoxin, a powerful compound used in cancer medications but dangerous if ingested directly.
What does mayapple look like?
Mayapple has large, deeply lobed umbrella-shaped leaves that can reach 12 inches across. Forked stems bear two leaves, and a single nodding white flower blooms hidden beneath the foliage in spring, followed by a small green-to-yellow fruit.
Can you eat mayapple fruit?
Only fully ripe yellow Mayapple fruit is edible — and even then only in small amounts, as larger quantities can cause digestive upset. The ripe fruit has a tropical, sweet-tart flavor. All other parts of the plant are toxic.
What does mayapple symbolize?
Mayapple symbolizes hidden beauty and mystery — its flower blooms modestly beneath its own leaves, unseen unless you look closely. It also represents transformation and inner strength, inspired by its role as a source of powerful cancer-fighting compounds.
How do you grow mayapple?
Mayapple thrives in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant rhizomes in fall or early spring and allow colonies to naturalize undisturbed. It goes dormant by midsummer, so pair it with later-emerging shade plants to fill the gap.
Is mayapple a native plant?
Yes, Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the eastern and central United States. It is a valued plant in native woodland gardens.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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