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Podophyllum peltatum (May apple)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Podophyllum peltatum
Other names
May apple, American mandrake, Behen, Devil's apple, Duck's foot, Ground lemon, Hog apple, Indian apple, Indian May apple, Peca, Raccoon berry, Wild jalap, Wild lemon tree, Wild mandrake
Genus
Podophyllum Podophyllum
Species
P. peltatum - P. peltatum is a creeping, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with erect stems bearing one or two, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves divided into five to nine, toothed lobes and cup-shaped, fragrant, white to pale pink flowers from mid-spring into summer followed by yellow-green fruit.
Podophyllum peltatum is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect, Creeping
Toxicity
Parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Raw, ripe fruit is edible only in limited quantities.
Flower
Pale-pink, White in Spring; Pale-pink, White in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Podophyllum peltatum (May apple) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders, Underplanting, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in deep, moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Podophyllum peltatum
Other names
May apple, American mandrake, Behen, Devil's apple, Duck's foot, Ground lemon, Hog apple, Indian apple, Indian May apple, Peca, Raccoon berry, Wild jalap, Wild lemon tree, Wild mandrake
Genus
Podophyllum Podophyllum
Species
P. peltatum - P. peltatum is a creeping, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with erect stems bearing one or two, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves divided into five to nine, toothed lobes and cup-shaped, fragrant, white to pale pink flowers from mid-spring into summer followed by yellow-green fruit.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect, Creeping
Toxicity
Parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Raw, ripe fruit is edible only in limited quantities.
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Colour
Flower
Pale-pink, White in Spring; Pale-pink, White in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Podophyllum peltatum (May apple) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders, Underplanting, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in deep, moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, commissioned designer Andy Sturgeon (Best in Show winner 2010 and 2016) to create this incredible garden. read more
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