Summary
Although very common in our rich moist woodlands, this underused deciduous ground cover is one of the first signs of spring, carpeting the ground in emerald green foliage. Concealed beneath the 8-12” tall umbrella-shaped leaves is a nodding, solitary white flower followed by a yellow, apple-like berry. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. In June, mayapple begins to go dormant and can be cut back. It forms a large mass and is best grown with ferns for textural contrast such as Phegopteris hexagonoptera, Dryopteris goldiana and Polystichum acrostichoides. Also grow it with late summer blooming Eurybia divaricata and Solidago flexicaulis which will occupy the space when mayapple goes dormant.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-shade, partial-shade, shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, dry, moist - Flowering Period
early-spring, late-spring, mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
dormant - Fruit/Seed Color
yellow
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Info, Flora of North America