What is this plant?**Solved** May Apple - Indian Apple - Wild Mandrake

Wildflower · May 30, 2011, 08:21:52 PM

I have this growing in my flower garden, but I don't know what it is. If you know please tell me. ;D

Texas Ranger · May 30, 2011, 09:35:35 PM

Looks like May Apple.

WDH · May 30, 2011, 09:55:35 PM

Yep.

Podophyllum peltatum.

Wildflower · May 30, 2011, 10:08:40 PM

Hey guys thanks !!! This sounds like a really cool plant. I am looking forward to see the plant develop the flowers and finally the fruit. I am excited! ;D

Texas Ranger · May 30, 2011, 10:13:09 PM

A lot of claims on medicinal value of the plant. Your on your own. :P

SPIKER · May 30, 2011, 10:18:21 PM

May Apples are everywhere in this area that trees are growing a good canopy they like shade & cool wet areas. flower in Ohio starting anytime now. they will get small round apple looking fruits on them that are eaten by many wild critters. the seeds are spread this way & grow more. White flowers open up under the leaves & are very nice looking.

Mark

Jeff · May 30, 2011, 10:39:37 PM

I've noticed the plant growing in this spot the last 3 or 4 years but thought it was something Tammy planted. It never amounted to much. This year its really pretty neat. Apparently it's wild as we didn't plant it.

pigman · May 30, 2011, 10:42:26 PM

It is May Apple, it will die in June. :( ;)

Tom · May 31, 2011, 04:05:41 AM

Quote from: Jeff on May 30, 2011, 10:39:37 PM
This year its really pretty neat. Apparently it's wild as we didn't plant it.

It's taking over the Upper USA. Introduced by an alien spacecraft during the hiatus following the Challenger catastrophe, it's purpose is to sneak into gardens and usurp the nutrients and space required for human supporting plants. One day, when Michigan is thoroughly saturated, it will launch itself upon Canada, destroying the flora and fauna to provide a foothold for the advance of the alien society. Advance troops have already been identified in New Brunswick. I hear that some have already visited Michigan.

RynSmith · May 31, 2011, 12:33:46 PM

I love the way they poke through the soil/duff all furled up and then slowly unfurl - I always considered them a harbinger of spring when they showed their tips.

SwampDonkey · May 31, 2011, 04:37:25 PM

Don't have them in the Maritimes, only as far east as western Quebec.

The leaves remind me of acuminate aster that grow under the hardwoods. But the aster leaves are alternate and not whorled. But they will crowd at the top giving it a whorl appearance.

Also kind of have a peony appearance.