Mayapple

Description:

White, nodding flower underneath and between a pair of large, deeply lobed, umbrella-like leaves. Flowers were approximately 1 inch in size, while the leaves were up to a foot wide.

Habitat:

Spotted growing in a damp woodland habitat. There were at least a hundred plants in various stages of development throughout the woods.

Notes:

The common name refers to the May blooming of its apple-like flower. The leaves, roots, and seeds can be poisonous if ingested. However, roots were once used as a strong purgative by Native Americans. The fruit is edible and is used in jelly, juice, or eaten fresh. The fruit is egg-shaped and ripens July-August.