Overview
Podophyllum pleianthum is the Chinese mayapple, growing 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide. Large glossy palmately lobed leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) across with 6–9 pointed lobes — larger than the North American P. peltatum (6–12 inches / 15–30 cm). Dark maroon to chocolate-red nodding flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) with 6–9 fleshy petals in clusters of 3–8 beneath the leaf canopy in mid to late spring — the flowers are hidden under the leaves and visible only from below. The species name 'pleianthum' means 'many-flowered' — P. pleianthum produces 3–8 flowers per stem, compared to 1 (rarely 2) in P. peltatum. Fleshy reddish fruit 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in fall. In the barberry family (Berberidaceae). All parts contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic compound — the semi-synthetic derivative etoposide (VP-16) is a chemotherapy drug used for lung cancer, testicular cancer, and leukemia. Toxic to humans and animals (skin blistering, gastrointestinal distress, organ damage). Slow-spreading by thick rhizomes. Native to China and Taiwan, growing in moist mountain forest understory. Some forms develop brown or maroon spotting on the leaves. Partial shade to full shade. Humus-rich well-drained soil. Consistent moisture. Deer-resistant (toxic). Zones 6–9. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to China and Taiwan, growing in moist mountain forest understory at moderate to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens and shaded borders in zones 6–9. The large glossy lobed leaves and the hidden dark maroon flowers are the seasonal features. All parts cytotoxic — handle with gloves. Deer-resistant. Companion to Trillium, Erythronium, and ferns.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April–May), lasting 2–3 weeks. Dark maroon nodding flowers in clusters of 3–8 beneath the leaf canopy. Flowers hidden under leaves — visible from below. Fleshy reddish fruit in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dark maroon to chocolate-red, nodding, 6-9 petals, 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm), in clusters of 3-8 beneath the leavesFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, large, palmately lobed with 6-9 pointed lobes, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) across; some forms develop brown or maroon spottingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade. Humus-rich well-drained soil. Consistent moisture. All parts contain podophyllotoxin — cytotoxic (precursor to the chemotherapy drug etoposide). Skin blistering from contact. Slow-spreading by rhizomes. Deer-resistant (toxic). Zones 6–9.Pruning
No pruning during the growing season. Remove dead foliage after the plant goes dormant in late autumn. Do not disturb the thick rhizome.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons