Podophyllum peltatum – Mayapple

Mayapples can be found in light shade to partial sunlight of mixed hardwood forests. They grow in rich, well-drained soil.

 

Mayapples are colony-forming perennials with 1-2 umbrella-shaped leaves per plant. The plant flowers in May and the fruit ripens in August. The fruit is ripe when it is golden yellow and soft.

Mayapple leaves, stems, unripe fruits, and seeds are all toxic. Only the pulp of ripe fruits should be consumed. The taste has been compared to guava or passion fruit. Seedless pulp can be eaten raw or turned into jam.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.