Species may-apple

may-apple

Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii

TheMay-apple is a perennial species of mandrake native to North America, with a solitary white flower and two bright yellow fruits. Fruits of this cultivar, Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii, are widely used in traditional medicine for their antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties. This species can grow up to two feet tall, and its shallow rhizomes enable it to form dense mats in areas with moist, partially shaded environments. As an adaptable species, May-apple can be grown as an ornamental garden plant, soil-stabilizing ground cover, and as a source of medicinal extracts.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Root Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Purplish pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Fruits:

green,yellow Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

watering

May-apples should be watered once every week. When you water them, you should water them until the soil is moderately moist. It is important to make sure that the soil does not become overly wet, as this could cause root rot. During the growing season, from late winter to early summer, you should water your may-apple more frequently. You should also be sure to water the plant thoroughly so that the water penetrates the root zone.

sunlight

May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii) should receive 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. This exact amount of sunlight can vary and depend on the location throughout the growing season. In hotter climates, more shade should be provided throughout the day, and in colder climates, more sun exposure can be beneficial. Generally speaking, a spot that receives partial sun, or morning sun is best. Too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn and scorch the leaves, while too little sunlight can lead to thin, weak growth.

pruning

May-apple generally requires little pruning. Any pruning should be done in late winter and early spring when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems. To control the spread of the May-apple, remove the rootlets starting at the edge of the patch. By removing any flowers and unripe fruit that appears in mid to late summer, you can help to keep the plant from reseeding itself and spreading throughout your garden.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

May-apple typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the may-apple fruits typically begins in late June and continues through July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the may-apple fruits typically begins in late June and continues through July.

Hardiness Map