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.
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.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
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
Companion Plants
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.
More Podophyllum to compare
Spotty Dotty Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum 'Spotty Dotty'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum
Asian Mayapple
Podophyllum difforme
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum versipelle 'boreale'
Chinese Mayapple
Podophyllum delavayi
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mayapple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
