Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

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In bloom May 10 - May 22. These 6-20 inch tall plants have one or two large conspicuous umbrella shaped leaves which can be seen in groups long before the plant flowers. You never just see one mayapple plant. Thats because all the apparently individual plants in a group are connected by an extensive system of underground stems. Each group is in fact one single connected plant. Those upright stems that are not old enough to flower have only one leaf. Flowers are white with large petals. The yellow ripe fruits are edible and are in part the basis of the plant's common name. Immature fruits and all other plant parts including the seeds are poisonous. Mild teas have been used in the past as a laxative.

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