May-apple (Mandrake)

Common name: May-apple (Mandrake)

Scientific name: Podophyllum peltatum

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1½-2 " (3-5 cm) wide
  Plant height: 1-1½ (30-45 cm)

Blooming period: May-June

Habitat: Rich woods, damp shady clearings thickets

Description: Large, fragrant, white (some- times pinkish) solitary nodding flowers attached in the fork between the stalks of two large, deeply- lobed umbrella-like leaves; flowers with 6-9 waxy white petals. Leaves 12-18" (30-45 cm) wide, round. Fruit is a yellow berry, 1½ -2" (3-5 cm) wide, the pulp of which is edible when ripe. Common name refers to the May blooming of this apple blossom-like flower. Barberry family. (May 22)