Mayapple, American Live root (Podophyllum peltatum), Organic

ROOTS ship starting late September.  If you order ROOTS along with seeds, the seeds will ship first and the roots will follow in season. We dig after dormancy in order to assure a good bud set–usually beginning in late August and ending early December.   We ship roots inside the US only.

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