Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plants

Umbrella leaves in colonies, hiding a single white flower where two leaves fork.

Field facts
HabitatWoodland floors, floodplain
RangeStatewide
When to lookFlowers May; fruit ripens August
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesUmbrella-leaf plantings

Field note: Only the ripe yellow fruit is non-toxic; everything else on the plant is poisonous.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Leave the fruit for box turtles, which are its main seed dispersers.

Leaves, stems and roots are toxic if eaten.

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