Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Mayapple is a native woodland wildflower found across eastern North America that produces white flowers in May and June. This shade-loving perennial forms colonies in moist forest understories.
Mayapple is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
8"–16" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mayapple is a unique woodland perennial that forms colonies of umbrella-like leaves, each plant producing one or two large, deeply lobed leaves. It blooms with single white flowers in late spring, followed by edible yellow fruits in summer, though the plant goes completely dormant by midsummer.
Growing Mayapple
Grow Mayapple in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mayapple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare ground
- Spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes
- Wild woodland appearance doesn't fit typical landscape expectations
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the brief spring blooming period. The fruits provide food for box turtles and small mammals when they ripen in late summer.
Common questions
- When does Mayapple bloom?
- Mayapple blooms in May and June, producing single white flowers beneath its umbrella-like leaves.
- What pollinators visit Mayapple flowers?
- Mayapple flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and beetles that are attracted to the white blooms.
- Where is Mayapple native?
- Mayapple is native to most of the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Mayapple prefer?
- Mayapple thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium to moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- Is Mayapple toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Mayapple is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Mayapple toxic to cats?
- Yes. Mayapple is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Mayapple HOA-friendly?
- Mayapple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Mayapple and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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