What hardiness zones is Podophyllum pleianthum suitable for?

Podophyllum pleianthum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Podophyllum pleianthum?

Podophyllum pleianthum requires Full Shade.

How much water does Podophyllum pleianthum need?

Podophyllum pleianthum has Medium water needs.

Perennials

Podophyllum pleianthum

Chinese mayapple

BerberidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageDeciduous

Height12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Width24–36 inches (60–90 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Podophyllum pleianthum, commonly called Chinese mayapple (also placed in Dysosma pleiantha in current taxonomy), is a bold, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the family Berberidaceae, native to moist, shaded forest floors and woodland margins in south-central and southeastern China and Taiwan. It is substantially larger and more ornamentally persistent than the North American P. peltatum, producing large, flat, nearly circular to broadly shield-shaped leaves 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) across with shallow lobes and a glossy dark green surface, on stout stems 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall. In late spring, clusters of four to eight deep maroon-red, nodding, cup-shaped flowers hang beneath the large leaf canopy; the flowers have a distinctly unpleasant odor that attracts insect pollinators. Unlike P. peltatum, Chinese mayapple does not go fully dormant in summer, maintaining its ornamental foliage through the growing season until autumn frost. It is one of the most outstanding large-leaved woodland perennials for Pacific Northwest gardens, valued for its dramatic foliage scale and long season. A Great Plant Pick. All parts are toxic.

Native Range

Native to moist, shaded forest floors, stream margins, and woodland edges in south-central and southeastern China (Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang) and Taiwan, growing in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Chinese mayapple is one of the most impressive large-leaved perennials for the Pacific Northwest shade garden, delivering bold tropical foliage from spring through autumn. The nearly circular, flat, glossy leaves 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) across create a spectacular textural contrast to fine-textured ferns and hostas. Plant as a specimen or in groups of three in the woodland garden, shaded border, or beneath established deciduous trees. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens. Combine with Rodgersia, Epimedium, Hosta, and large-leaved ferns for a dramatic shade planting. The maroon spring flowers, while not conspicuous, add botanical interest.

How to Identify

Chinese mayapple is identified by its very large, nearly circular to broadly shield-shaped, glossy dark green leaves 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) across with shallow, rounded lobes and a peltate (centrally attached) petiole — the stout stem attaches at the leaf center rather than the margin, giving the leaves a characteristic flat table appearance. In late spring, clusters of four to eight deep maroon-red, cup-shaped, nodding flowers hang beneath the leaves on short stalks, with a distinctly unpleasant odor. Distinguished from P. peltatum by the non-dormant foliage persisting through summer and the clustered maroon (not white solitary) flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Chinese mayapple blooms in late spring, typically May through June in Pacific Northwest gardens. The clusters of four to eight deep maroon-red, nodding, cup-shaped flowers hang beneath the large leaf canopy on short stalks. After flowering, yellow-green, egg-shaped fruits develop and ripen in late summer. The glossy foliage is attractive from spring through autumn — the plant does not go fully dormant in summer as P. peltatum does.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep maroon-red; cup-shaped, nodding, in clusters of 4–8; hidden beneath leaves; unpleasantly scented

Foliage Description

Very large, nearly circular, glossy dark green; peltate (stem attaches at center); 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) across; shallow-lobed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Tolerates up to 3 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loampeat

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil. Chinese mayapple thrives in typical Pacific Northwest cool woodland garden conditions. Incorporate generous leaf mold at planting. Water consistently throughout the growing season — the plant does not tolerate summer drought as well as some other woodland perennials. Plant the horizontal rhizome just below the soil surface. Space generously at 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) to allow for the eventual large leaf spread. Once established, minimal maintenance is required. All parts are toxic.

Pruning

Cut all stems back to ground level in late autumn after frost kills the foliage. Remove any damaged or tattered leaves during the growing season. No other pruning is required. Do not disturb the rhizomes; the plant establishes best when left undisturbed.

Pruning Schedule

fall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans