Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers rich, moist, humusy, acidic soils. May form large colonies in the wild. Will self-seed under optimum growing conditions. As with many of the early spring wildflowers, mayapple goes dormant in summer.
This Missouri native mayapple differs from the native species, Podophyllum peltatum, by the presence of the color purple in many of the plant parts: light purplish-pink flowers, wine-purple ovaries, maroon-purple fruit and purple-flecked stem and leaf stalks. Forma deamii is rare throughout its limited range of Pennsylvania to Missouri, and appears to be limited in Missouri to certain populations in Coles county (Steyermark). It is a rhizomatous perennial which occurs in both moist and dry woodland areas. From a single stem, each plant grows 12-18" tall and features one or two, deeply-divided, palmately-lobed, umbrella-like, pale green leaves (to 12" diameter). Plants with only one leaf will not flower. From the crotch (leaf axil) on two-leaved plants, a single, nodding, waxy, 6-8 petaled, light purplish pink flower (3" diameter) appears on a short, thin stem in early spring. Flowers are quite showy, but are usually hidden by the umbrella-like leaves. Each flower gives way to an edible, fleshy, maroon purple fruit (mayapple) which may be used to make preserves and jellies. Leaves and roots are poisonous, however.
No serious insect or disease problems.
This rare form is perhaps best grown in a prominent location in a woodland setting, wild or native plant garden or naturalized area. Because plants naturalize easily to form colonies but go dormant in summer (foliage disappears), mayapple is not considered a good border plant. May be difficult to obtain in commerce.
Thank You!
The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers.
Info for
Main Navigation
Quick Links
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission