Podophyllum spp.
Mayapple
Overview
Podophyllum is a genus of rhizomatous woodland perennials in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern North America and to the temperate forests of eastern Asia. Plants spread by branching underground rhizomes to form colonies, sending up one or two long-stalked leaves that stand 30-50 cm (12-20 in) tall. The leaves are large and shield-shaped, deeply cut into lobes, and held horizontally like an umbrella; in the Asian species they are often mottled with bronze, maroon, or silver. A single nodding flower, 3-5 cm (1-2 in) across and white to pink or deep maroon, opens in spring beneath or among the leaves, followed by a fleshy egg-shaped fruit. The foliage dies back by mid to late summer, leaving the plant dormant until the following spring. All parts except the ripe fruit pulp contain podophyllotoxin and related lignans and are poisonous if eaten, causing severe digestive upset. The genus needs cool, shaded, humus-rich ground and steady moisture; a limitation is its early dormancy, which leaves gaps in the planting from late summer onward.
Native Range
Podophyllum occurs in eastern North America, where Podophyllum peltatum carpets deciduous woods and clearings, and across eastern Asia from the Himalayas to China and Taiwan. Species grow in moist, shaded forest with deep leaf litter.Suggested Uses
Grown as ground cover and accent plants in shade and woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, and beside shaded paths. The mottled Asian species are used in containers and shaded courtyard plantings. Plants combine with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials that fill the gap left by summer dormancy.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, around April to May as the leaves expand. Each stem bears a single waxy, nodding flower lasting one to two weeks, with colour ranging from white through pink to dark maroon depending on the species. The flower is partly hidden by the foliage and is followed by a fleshy fruit in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, or maroonFoliage Description
green, often mottled bronze or silverGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Podophyllum grows in part to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich soil at a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.0 to 7.0. Steady moisture during the growing season matters, though the rhizomes tolerate drier soil once the foliage has died down. A mulch of leaf mould conserves moisture and feeds the colony. The hardier species withstand winters in USDA zones 3 to 8, while the Himalayan and Chinese species suit zones 5 to 8. Plants are slow to establish and resent disturbance once settled. Slugs and snails graze the emerging shoots in damp springs.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Faded leaves and stems are cleared once they yellow and collapse in summer, and self-sown seedlings or surplus rhizome pieces can be lifted to control spread. Spent fruit is cleared where its toxicity is a concern around children.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons