MAYAPPLE

also called mayflower, or mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) perennial herbaceous plant of the family Podophyllaceae (order Ranunculales) native to eastern North America, most commonly in shady areas on moist, rich soil. Its plant is 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) tall. Its dark green, umbrella-like leaves, nearly 30 cm across, have five to seven lobes. The cup-shaped flower, with six to nine white petals, is 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) across and appears from April to June. The fruit is an edible yellow berry that is sometimes used in jams or beverages. The dried rhizomes (fleshy underground stems) are sometimes used medicinally as a purgative. The plant is a coarse but attractive specimen for the shady wild garden.