Though Mayapple goes dormant by summertime, it's ephemeral beauty is captivating. The large, umbrella-like leaves form lush, green carpets in happy garden situations. Mature Mayapple plants produce nodding white flowers in mid-spring, which give way to round, green fruits that inspired the name "mayapple".
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; medium to moist soil
Size: 1' - 1.5' tall
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bumblebees and long-tongued bees; fruits eaten by box turtles
Photos: Ethan Kauffman, Samantha Nestory, Brian Johnson