Mayapple

The Mayapple will be a delightful addition to your Spring garden. It is easy to plant and will grow happily and with minimal maintenance. Gardeners and landscapers enjoy the distinctive beauty of the plant. The leaves are large and striking in color and colossal mass. This perennial plant will look beautiful for months to come.

The Growth Of Mayapple

Mayapple will grow to a height of about 12 inches to a max of 18 inches. The leaves will grow to more than 12 inches in width. The plant is known as a species of podophyllum peltatum. It sometimes goes by the name of duck's foot. It is a member of the Japanese barberry family. A part of the plant, grown on the leaf as a small fruit, is considered edible by some researchers. If eaten, it should be only when the apple is fully ripe. 

The Stunning Foliage Of The Mayapple

The leaf's colors will vary throughout the season. It will start as a variation of olive green. Throughout the shades of olive green, there will also be a copper hue that will be evident in the early growing stages of the Spring. This would be in May and a bit sooner in Zone 5 for most zones. Later in the season, expect a change of color to solid green. It is not unusual to get variations of colors from leaf to leaf. 

Where The Mayapple Does Best

Mayapple plants are found in the northeastern areas of North America. They typically prosper best in zones 3 to 8. It is recommended that they be planted in a sunny location with moist soil and compost. In a more shady location, they will do best with abundant water. The plant will blossom in some climates in the early summer, possibly as early as May.