Mayapple - Revision history

Kadencam at 18:16, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T18:16:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:16, 9 May 2025
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	These colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]		These colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
	Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>		Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>







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	[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]		[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]
	The mayapple begins its growth period early in the spring, and becomes dormant again by mid-summer once the leaves of other trees cover the forest canopy. The leaves of the mayapple won't begin to open until early April. The plants with two leaves on them will flower and bloom around April or May, with the flowers emitting a pungent or musky odor.<ref name="Virginia"/> The flowers that become pollinated, although it is less common, will form fruits that are known to be self seeding, and will have to possibility to grow and form another colony when the [[soil]] and weather conditions are right.<ref name="Wisconsin"/> The main method of reproduction is through rhizomes, which grow underground, and contain anywhere up to 1,000 different shoots, and grow as old as 100 years old. Because successful pollination rates are so low, a majority of the plants energy is spent growing the underground rhizome network, spending roughly 40% of its energy gained on rhizomes, and only about 8% on sexual reproduction. New colonies are primarily formed by a single seed produced by a successfully matured fruit. A new seed may not produce rhizomes for as long as 5 years after it has germinated, and may not produce any blooms until it is around 12 years old. During this time period, the plant can still grow stems containing 1 leaf, and continue to stretch out its colony at a steady rate of up to 6 inches a year.<ref name="Virginia"/>		The mayapple begins its growth period early in the spring, and becomes dormant again by mid-summer once the leaves of other trees cover the forest canopy. The leaves of the mayapple won't begin to open until early April. The plants with two leaves on them will flower and bloom around April or May, with the flowers emitting a pungent or musky odor.<ref name="Virginia"/> The flowers that become pollinated, although it is less common, will form fruits that are known to be self seeding, and will have to possibility to grow and form another colony when the [[soil]] and weather conditions are right.<ref name="Wisconsin"/> The main method of reproduction is through rhizomes, which grow underground, and contain anywhere up to 1,000 different shoots, and grow as old as 100 years old. Because successful pollination rates are so low, a majority of the plants energy is spent growing the underground rhizome network, spending roughly 40% of its energy gained on rhizomes, and only about 8% on sexual reproduction. New colonies are primarily formed by a single seed produced by a successfully matured fruit. A new seed may not produce rhizomes for as long as 5 years after it has germinated, and may not produce any blooms until it is around 12 years old. During this time period, the plant can still grow stems containing 1 leaf, and continue to stretch out its colony at a steady rate of up to 6 inches a year.<ref name="Virginia"/>









	==Ecological Significance==		==Ecological Significance==
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	''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>		''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>

Kadencam at 18:33, 30 April 2025

2025-04-30T18:33:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:33, 30 April 2025
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	==Species Description==		==Species Description==
	~~[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]~~
	[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]		[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]

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	==Growth and Reproduction==		==Growth and Reproduction==

			[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]
	The mayapple begins its growth period early in the spring, and becomes dormant again by mid-summer once the leaves of other trees cover the forest canopy. The leaves of the mayapple won't begin to open until early April. The plants with two leaves on them will flower and bloom around April or May, with the flowers emitting a pungent or musky odor.<ref name="Virginia"/> The flowers that become pollinated, although it is less common, will form fruits that are known to be self seeding, and will have to possibility to grow and form another colony when the [[soil]] and weather conditions are right.<ref name="Wisconsin"/> The main method of reproduction is through rhizomes, which grow underground, and contain anywhere up to 1,000 different shoots, and grow as old as 100 years old. Because successful pollination rates are so low, a majority of the plants energy is spent growing the underground rhizome network, spending roughly 40% of its energy gained on rhizomes, and only about 8% on sexual reproduction. New colonies are primarily formed by a single seed produced by a successfully matured fruit. A new seed may not produce rhizomes for as long as 5 years after it has germinated, and may not produce any blooms until it is around 12 years old. During this time period, the plant can still grow stems containing 1 leaf, and continue to stretch out its colony at a steady rate of up to 6 inches a year.<ref name="Virginia"/>		The mayapple begins its growth period early in the spring, and becomes dormant again by mid-summer once the leaves of other trees cover the forest canopy. The leaves of the mayapple won't begin to open until early April. The plants with two leaves on them will flower and bloom around April or May, with the flowers emitting a pungent or musky odor.<ref name="Virginia"/> The flowers that become pollinated, although it is less common, will form fruits that are known to be self seeding, and will have to possibility to grow and form another colony when the [[soil]] and weather conditions are right.<ref name="Wisconsin"/> The main method of reproduction is through rhizomes, which grow underground, and contain anywhere up to 1,000 different shoots, and grow as old as 100 years old. Because successful pollination rates are so low, a majority of the plants energy is spent growing the underground rhizome network, spending roughly 40% of its energy gained on rhizomes, and only about 8% on sexual reproduction. New colonies are primarily formed by a single seed produced by a successfully matured fruit. A new seed may not produce rhizomes for as long as 5 years after it has germinated, and may not produce any blooms until it is around 12 years old. During this time period, the plant can still grow stems containing 1 leaf, and continue to stretch out its colony at a steady rate of up to 6 inches a year.<ref name="Virginia"/>









	==Ecological Significance==		==Ecological Significance==
			[[File:Mayapple_Fruit.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The shows the ripened fruit of ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Forbes">“Mayapple — Dangerous & Delicious” , Forbes Wild Foods https://www.wildfoods.ca/blogs/main/mayapple-dangerous-delicious</ref>]]

	''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>		''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>









	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

Kadencam at 18:19, 30 April 2025

2025-04-30T18:19:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 30 April 2025
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	==Species Description==		==Species Description==
	[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]		[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]


	[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]		[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]

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	These colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]		These colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
	Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>		Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>

Kadencam at 18:09, 30 April 2025

2025-04-30T18:09:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 30 April 2025
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	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==



	{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"\|		{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"\|
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	==Species Description==		==Species Description==
			[[File:Mayapple_Flower_New.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|The map shows a fully bloomed ''Podophyllum peltatum''.<ref name= "Wisconsin"/>]]


	[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]		[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]
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	==Ecological Significance==		==Ecological Significance==


	''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>		''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>



	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

Kadencam at 17:40, 30 April 2025

2025-04-30T17:40:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 30 April 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:

	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==

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	==Species Description==		==Species Description==
	The mayapple (''Podophyllum peltatum'') is a species of [[Spring Ephemerals\|spring ephemerals]] that tends to grow in large colonies. ~~The~~ colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
			[[File:Mayapple_Distribution.png\|260px\|thumb\|right\|The map shows the native distribution of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' in North America.<ref name= "Texas">“Mayapple” , Foraging Texas https://www.foragingtexas.com/2007/11/mayapple.html</ref>]]

			The mayapple (''Podophyllum peltatum'') is a species of [[Spring Ephemerals\|spring ephemerals]] that tends to grow in large colonies. Colonies of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' can primarily be found within open woodlands, shady fields, riverbanks, and along the sides of roadways. They are native to Eastern North America, and range from southern parts of Canada and reach as far as Southern Texas.<ref name= "Go Botany">“Podophyllum peltatum — mandrake, May-apple” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/podophyllum/peltatum/</ref>
			These colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
	Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>		Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>

	~~==Distribution==~~
	Colonies of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' can primarily be found within open woodlands, shady fields, riverbanks, and along the sides of roadways. They are native to Eastern North America, and range from southern parts of Canada and reach as far as Southern Texas.<ref name= "Go Botany">“Podophyllum peltatum — mandrake, May-apple” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/podophyllum/peltatum/</ref>

Kadencam at 17:16, 30 April 2025

2025-04-30T17:16:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 30 April 2025
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	==Species Description==		==Species Description==
	The mayapple ("Podophyllum peltatum") is a species of spring ephemerals that tends to grow in large colonies. The colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]		The mayapple (''Podophyllum peltatum'') is a species of [[Spring Ephemerals\|spring ephemerals]] that tends to grow in large colonies. The colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
	Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>		Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>

	==Distribution==		==Distribution==
	Colonies of "Podophyllum peltatum" can primarily be found within open woodlands, shady fields, riverbanks, and along the sides of roadways. They are native to Eastern North America, and range from southern parts of Canada and reach as far as Southern Texas.<ref name= "Go Botany">“Podophyllum peltatum — mandrake, May-apple” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/podophyllum/peltatum/</ref>		Colonies of ''Podophyllum peltatum'' can primarily be found within open woodlands, shady fields, riverbanks, and along the sides of roadways. They are native to Eastern North America, and range from southern parts of Canada and reach as far as Southern Texas.<ref name= "Go Botany">“Podophyllum peltatum — mandrake, May-apple” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/podophyllum/peltatum/</ref>


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	==Ecological Significance==		==Ecological Significance==
	"Podophyllum peltatum" contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>		''Podophyllum peltatum'' contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>


	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

Kadencam: Created page with "==Taxonomy== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"| |- | ! scope="col" | Kingdom ! scope="col" | Phylum ! scope="col" | Class ! scope="col" | Order ! scope="col" | Family ! scope="col" | Genus ! scope="col" | Species |- ! scope="row" | Classification | Plantae | Magnoliophyta | Magnoliopsida | Ranunculales | Berberidaceae | Podophyllum | Peltatum |} ==Species Description== The mayapple ("Podophyllum peltatum") is a species of spring ephemerals t..."

2025-04-30T09:09:02Z

Created page with "==Taxonomy== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"| |- | ! scope="col" | Kingdom ! scope="col" | Phylum ! scope="col" | Class ! scope="col" | Order ! scope="col" | Family ! scope="col" | Genus ! scope="col" | Species |- ! scope="row" | Classification | Plantae | Magnoliophyta | Magnoliopsida | Ranunculales | Berberidaceae | Podophyllum | Peltatum |} ==Species Description== The mayapple ("Podophyllum peltatum") is a species of spring ephemerals t..."

New page

==Taxonomy==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:85%;"|
|-
|
! scope="col" | Kingdom
! scope="col" | Phylum
! scope="col" | Class
! scope="col" | Order
! scope="col" | Family
! scope="col" | Genus
! scope="col" | Species
|-
! scope="row" | Classification
| Plantae
| Magnoliophyta
| Magnoliopsida
| Ranunculales
| Berberidaceae
| Podophyllum
| Peltatum
|}

==Species Description==
The mayapple ("Podophyllum peltatum") is a species of spring ephemerals that tends to grow in large colonies. The colonies grow from rhizomes, and grow tall stems growing anywhere between 12 to 18 inches. The stems open up and form large umbrella like leaves. The leaves branch out into 5-9 nodes, with 1 - 2 leaves per stem extending as far as a foot in length. The plant forms flowers, but only forming from plants with more than one leaf.<ref name= "Wisconsin">“Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum” Wisconsin [[Horticulture]]
Division of Extension, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> The flower of the mayapple grows up to roughly 2 inches in diameter, with 6-9 white petals, and double the amount of stamens. The flower is not known to produce nectar, but produces pollen. Successful pollination rate of the plant is relatively low, and is also known to have a low rate of fruit maturation. When the plant matures, the fruit is yellow in color, egg-shaped, and contains a single berry that is roughly 2 inches long.<ref name= "Virginia">“Mayapple Plant Profile” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/mayapple-plant-profile/</ref>

==Distribution==
Colonies of "Podophyllum peltatum" can primarily be found within open woodlands, shady fields, riverbanks, and along the sides of roadways. They are native to Eastern North America, and range from southern parts of Canada and reach as far as Southern Texas.<ref name= "Go Botany">“Podophyllum peltatum — mandrake, May-apple” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/podophyllum/peltatum/</ref>

==Growth and Reproduction==
The mayapple begins its growth period early in the spring, and becomes dormant again by mid-summer once the leaves of other trees cover the forest canopy. The leaves of the mayapple won't begin to open until early April. The plants with two leaves on them will flower and bloom around April or May, with the flowers emitting a pungent or musky odor.<ref name="Virginia"/> The flowers that become pollinated, although it is less common, will form fruits that are known to be self seeding, and will have to possibility to grow and form another colony when the [[soil]] and weather conditions are right.<ref name="Wisconsin"/> The main method of reproduction is through rhizomes, which grow underground, and contain anywhere up to 1,000 different shoots, and grow as old as 100 years old. Because successful pollination rates are so low, a majority of the plants energy is spent growing the underground rhizome network, spending roughly 40% of its energy gained on rhizomes, and only about 8% on sexual reproduction. New colonies are primarily formed by a single seed produced by a successfully matured fruit. A new seed may not produce rhizomes for as long as 5 years after it has germinated, and may not produce any blooms until it is around 12 years old. During this time period, the plant can still grow stems containing 1 leaf, and continue to stretch out its colony at a steady rate of up to 6 inches a year.<ref name="Virginia"/>

==Ecological Significance==
"Podophyllum peltatum" contains alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. These toxins are contained within all parts of the plant, with the least toxic part for human consumption being the ripened fruit. Because of these toxins, the plant is avoided by most herbivorous mammals. However, the leaves are still consumed by [[animals]] like box turtles as well as sawfly larvae. The flower is primarily pollinated by various species of bees, moths and butterflies regardless of the low successful pollination rates. This is because the pollen is high in nutritional value, and can be a sustainable host for species like the variegated fritillary and other moth caterpillars.<ref name= "Cornell">“Mayapple” Cornell Botanical Gardens, https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/plant/mayapple/#:~:text=Wildlife%20value,fruit%2C%20as%20may%20small%20mammals.</ref><ref name= "Virginia 2">“Wildflower of the Year 2025: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)” Virginia Native Plant Society, https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/</ref> If consumed, the toxins from the mayapple will cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, liver degeneration, bone marrow dysfunction, and is also known to be teratogenic, meaning that it has impacts on developing embryos in the womb. Despite the plant's toxic [[properties]], it was still utilized in Native American cultures for natural herbal remedies, and plays a role in natural antiviral and anti-neoplastic treatments.<ref name= "Colorado">“May apple” Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants, https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/118</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}