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Native Plant Society of Texas

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Other common name(s):

Indian Apple, Wild Mandrake, Pomme De Mai, Podophylle Pelt

Family:

Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers
Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
1.5
ft.

Spread

0.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Rich, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant within its range. It grows only under hardwoods. Does not grow under pine trees. Do not mow, it will kill the plant. This plant forms colonies by rhizomes and does not like competition. WARNING: unripe fruit, leaves and roots are highly toxic and should never be eaten. Propagation: root division, seed.

Comments

Blooms March-May. Has two fan-like leaves that come up from a central stalk. The fragrant, single white (sometimes pink), apple-like flower grows up between the leaves. The large fruit is similar to a lemon shaped berry.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Planting seeds immediately after harvest results in the greatest germination success. To help soften the hard coating and speed germination, pour hot water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 24 hours before planting. For spring planting, mix the soaked May apple seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 90 days before planting. Or direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which takes 1 - 4 months at 15°c. Transfer the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least 2 growing seasons. Plant them outdoors in the winter when the plants are dormant. They can take four to five years to grow to maturity. Collect the fruits as soon as they have ripened to a yellow color, and remove the seeds from the pulp. 1) https://www.everwilde.com/store/Podophyllum-peltatum-WildFlower-Seed.html 2) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Podophyllum+peltatum 3) https://www.lincolnu.edu/cooperative-extension-and-research/non-timber-forest-product-ntfp-highlight-mayapple.pdf 4) https://www.thespruce.com/mayapple-native-shade-plant-4125670
Clump Division Shake off excess soil and separate the root ball into sections, each with at least one shoot and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions immediately to reduce the time the roots are exposed to air and position the mayapple at the same depth it was growing previously. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a layer of mulch and keep the soil consistently moist. Choose robust and well-established plants with multiple shoots, indicating that they have a good root system suitable for division. During dormancy in fall or early spring, carefully dig around the perimeter of the mayapple plant and gently lift the plant out of the ground. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Podophyllum_peltatum.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason