1 named cultivar

‘Spotty Dotty’Spotty Dotty Mayapple

perennialN. America Native

Mayapple

The Story

Plant Bio

Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as Mayapple, is a perennial groundcover with umbrella-like, deeply lobed leaves and solitary, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring, followed by round fruit.

This species is valued for its attractive foliage and edible fruit, and it thrives in shaded woodland gardens, providing lush ground cover with minimal maintenance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides attractive, lush foliage and ground cover in shaded areas.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils, reducing gardening effort in suitable environments.

Supports local shade-loving insects and maintains soil health.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

All parts are toxic except the fully ripe fruit.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Provide partial shade for optimal growth.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Divide plants in early spring or fall every 3–4 years.
Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-draining, rich, moist soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with organic compost in spring
Divide in early spring or fall

Don't

Avoid excessive drought stress ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Refrain from over-fertilizing
Don’t disturb plants during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Harvest
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist, shaded garden beds

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mayapple questions

What zones can Mayapple grow in?

Mayapple is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mayapple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mayapple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mayapple bloom?

Mayapple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mayapple need full sun?

Mayapple does best in part shade.