Blog  May 2, 2012

Mayapple: A sure sign of spring

Mayapple’s distinctive umbrella-like foliage (Photo: Bill Moses)

This spring, keep your eye out for this early wildflower blooming on the forest floor of moist woodlands in Ontario, Quebec and across eastern North America. The beautiful white/cream flowers of Podphyllum peltatum are often hidden under its distinctive umbrella-like foliage.

Although mostly poisonous (including unripe fruit), mayapple’s mature soft yellow fruit is edible and a favourite of squirrels! It is also one of those few plants that can tolerate the juglones released by black walnut trees. Learn more about mayapples and other spring wildflowers on our Native Plant Database.