ToxicEdible when ripe
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Umbrella leaves in colonies. Only the ripe yellow fruit is edible; the rest is toxic.
- Marks
- Umbrella leaf; hidden white flower; yellow egg fruit
- Size
- 12–18 in
- Habitat
- Moist woods throughout the county.
- Season
- Leaves April; flower May; fruit June–July.
- Frequency
- common
A single or pair of large peltate leaves on a fleshy stalk. A nodding white flower hides under the pair-leaved plants. Fruit ripens to a soft lemon-yellow egg.
Uses
Ripe pulp for jam. Root is a historic drug — not a DIY medicine.
If this is the one
Leaves, roots, and green fruit are poisonous. Eat only fruit that is fully yellow and soft, and never the seeds.