Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
Mayapple (American mandrake) (Podophyllum peltatum) is a deciduous perennial groundcover in the Berberidaceae family, native to Deciduous woods of eastern North America. It grows 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Mayapple (American mandrake) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Deciduous woods of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Mayapple (American mandrake) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: leaves, roots, unripe fruit, seeds
All parts except the fully ripe fruit pulp contain podophyllotoxin, a powerful poison (and the source of cancer drugs such as etoposide); the ripe yellow fruit is edible only in small amounts, without seeds.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mayapple (American mandrake)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Mayapple (American mandrake)
- How far apart should I plant Mayapple (American mandrake)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Mayapple (American mandrake) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mayapple (American mandrake) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Mayapple (American mandrake)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Mayapple (American mandrake) flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mayapple (American mandrake) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. All parts except the fully ripe fruit pulp contain podophyllotoxin, a powerful poison (and the source of cancer drugs such as etoposide); the ripe yellow fruit is edible only in small amounts, without seeds.
- What grows well with Mayapple (American mandrake)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mayapple (American mandrake). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- A spring ephemeral of eastern woodlands: it flowers and leafs out before the trees close their canopy, then dies back by midsummer. Plant under deciduous trees in leafy, moist soil.
- Colonies of umbrella-like leaves on single stems; plants with two leaves hide one waxy white flower beneath, then a lemon-shaped fruit. Box turtles eat the ripe fruit and spread the seeds. Spreads by rhizomes into a carpet.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Heavenly bamboo (nandina) Nandina domestica
- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
- Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
- Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Lamb's ear Stachys byzantina