Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Safety note: All parts except the ripe fruit are toxic; unripe fruit is also toxic.

Mayapple carpets the floors of eastern deciduous forests in early spring with paired umbrella-like leaves, sheltering a single white flower beneath. The ripe yellow fruit in late summer is edible and was consumed by indigenous peoples, but all other plant parts are highly toxic. Box turtles and raccoons are among the few animals that disperse the seeds.

Habitat

Rich moist deciduous forest floors, forming large colonies

Diet

Ripe fruit eaten by box turtles and raccoons; seeds dispersed by these animals

How common

Common