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General Description
The Mayapple is in the family Berberidaceae, and appears in open woodland areas. It is an herbaceous, perennial plant that is native to the eastern part of North America
The flower section of this plant appears in early May and the “apple” part appears in the summer. The mayapple is also referred to as the Devil's apple, Umbrella plant (shape of the leaves), Hogapple, Indian apple, Wild lemon (flavor of the fruit), Wild mandrake and American mandrake.
The stems of mayapples can grow 30-40 cm tall. The palm-like leaves at 20-30 cm diameter have 5-9 deeply cut lobes. This plant can produce in two growth forms. Ones that have a single umbrella-like leaf do not produce any flower or fruit. Mayapples with a twin leaf structure bear a single white flower 3-5 cm in diameter with six to nine petals. This flower matures into a yellow-greenish fruit 2-5 cm long.
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Toxicity
All of the parts of the mayapple, except the fruit, are poisonous and can kill a human within 24 hours. Although the fruit is not poisonous, it is known to cause dysentery.
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