Mayapple, American Live root (Podophyllum peltatum), Organic
$7.00 – $36.00
Family: Mayapple (Podophyllaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 9
(American Mayapple, American Mandrake) Colony-forming perennial native to the Eastern US. Each stalk is crowned by a single, wide, softly turgid, palmate leaf. Many leaves lock together to form a sort of communal umbrella that shades the ground and helps maintain fertility. In spring a waxy, white flower of delightful fragrance erupts and gives way to the greenish, apple-like fruits. A bed of mayapple makes a magical landscape feature. Traditional usage of the rhizome (American Indian, TWM): anticarcinogenic and liver stimulant. Low-dose botanical, potentially toxic at high doses. The plants will tolerate full sun but prefer part shade and grow best in rich, moist soils. Nestle the root down horizontally 1 inch deep in the mineral soil and leave the growing tip angled up. Mulch with leaves. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart.
Live Root, certified organically grown
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Question
Eimi (verified owner) –
Hi Richo, I planted a bunch of live roots in a shaded area earlier in April/May, I have try keeping the soil moist throughout summer, but nothing has come up yet. Two of the roots actually had little green shots coming out when I received them, but those shots have died back during Summer. What are the chances that the roots are still dormant and might break ground later? I’m trying to determine whether I need to buy new roots to try again… Thank you in advance for your help?
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Richo Cech –
hello eimi, you’re almost certainly still good with this. there’s an old adage about forest perennials–first they sleep, then they creep, then they leap. Given the late planting, you’re still in the “sleep and creep” part of all this. Don’t look for a “leap” until next spring. meantime, if you want to satisfy your curiosity, dig in a little bit and see if you can find any of those fat buds. richo
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Question
Adrian (verified owner) –
When is it best to plant this root outdoors?
I just received a bare
root in the mail and I’m assuming I should plant it in a pot as soon as possible and then move It outdoors when the last frost has passed?
Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
hi adrian, mayapple transplants easily any time of year. if your ground is workable, plant it in the shade garden or woodlands with rhizome parallel to the ground surface, roots down, bud up, and cover with mulch. if your ground is frozen, plant in a gallon pot and keep indoors until you can plant it out in the spring. richo
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Adrian (verified owner) –
Does it have any light requirements while it is sitting in a gallon pot?
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Richo Cech –
i think it makes sense to leave it in a window. it actually doesn’t need light until it breaks ground. r
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Merrie Callahan –
Here in Missouri Morel mushrooms grow in the woods under mayapples. If I plant Mayapples under my Maple trees, is it going to encourge morel mushroom growth? Holding my breath and fingers are crossed.
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Richo Cech –
hi merrie, yes, one prepares the area by planting the associates and then the community of plants, fungi, microorganisms develops apace. r
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Question
GWYNPETERDI (verified owner) –
Hello, in October 2019, I planted the Mayapple, American Live root (Podophyllum peltatum) in a shady area that turned out to be not that shady in the summer. Even though I kept it watered, the small plant withered. Should I try and replant it in a different more shady spot soon, if there is still a root, or should I wait till spring? Thank you
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Richo Cech –
Hi! Oh, it’s still there! First year they sleep, second year they creep and third year they leap! Don’t try to move it, the process will have to start all over again. Richo
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turo –
What is the best way to use the root
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Richo Cech –
Hello Turo,
Normally this isn’t used in current herbal practice. There is a pharmaceutical concentrate (podophyllotoxin) that is used in chemotherapy.
Richo
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Rachael Lin Pitcairn –
Are the ripe fruits edible? Are they palatable?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Rachel, Deer like to eat the fruits. They are not palatable or edible for humans. Richo
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John –
The fruits are edible at a certain stage, but I’d spit out the seeds. All other parts of the plant are toxic. The fruits have to be yellow and withered like a passion fruit. At that stage I actualyl like the taste very much.
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Katie –
Just popping in to remind folks from the East that the mayapple is a favorite food source of the Eastern Box Turtle. They are on the decline and sure could use a little help.
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