As I used to be strolling by means of the gardens final week, I observed a big, glossy-leaved plant with huge, yellow-green fruit hanging from beneath the leaves. There have been in all probability 20-30 of those egg-shaped fruits hanging in clusters underneath the leaves. It actually was a cool sight to see. As I obtained nearer, I noticed this was the Chinese language mayapple, or Podophyllum pleianthum. The Chinese language mayapple is much like our native mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, with some noticeable variations. 

Mayapples and Summer time Dormancy

The Chinese language mayapple doesn’t go dormant in the summertime. The US native mayapple is native to jap North America, the place the Chinese language Mayapple is from China. Each are generally present in a woodland backyard, however the place the native wildflower emerges within the early spring after which goes by means of a mid-summer dormancy – the Chinese language model stays inexperienced and leafy all through the rising season. 

A Distinction in Measurement

One other distinction is the scale. The peak and unfold of the Chinese language plant will be as much as twice the scale of our native mayapple. Each are unfold by underground rhizomes, and each type giant colonies.  Additionally, the leaves are darkish inexperienced and glossy on the Chinese language species versus the matte inexperienced look of our native P. peltatum. I like our native mayapple, however I additionally assume that incorporating the Asian species into the backyard provides a pleasant distinction.

Mayapple Fruits and Flowers

For each vegetation, the fruit – which emerges beneath the umbrella-like leaves – has supplied highly effective medicinal instruments to their close by indigenous communities. The Native People in the USA used Mayapple for medicinal functions, together with treating warts and as a purgative (please use warning most of this plant is poisonous)  The plant does, nevertheless, produce fruit with a lemon-like taste that’s edible when totally ripe. (However once more – all different elements are poisonous!)   Mayapples, that are present in open woodlands, are sometimes related to magic and folklore, with some Native American tribes contemplating them sacred.  

In China and the Himalayas, native mayapples have been utilized in conventional Chinese language medication, and varied elements of Podophyllum hexandrum (the same and associated number of podophyllim) are used for his or her potential anti-cancer properties.  

Designing with Mayapple – Podophyllum

Podophyllum pleianthum is understood for its giant, showy, maroon or purple flowers and placing floral show. The native Podophyllum peltatum selection has a pale inexperienced and rose-colored flower – however it’s nowhere close to as thrilling visually.  Each varieties thrive in plentiful natural matter and full shade. 

As a designer, I’m inclined to take some inspiration from a plant once I search for plant companions. The Flower of the native mayapple has inexperienced sepals, yellow anthers, and white filaments and jogs my memory of hellebores.  I’d contemplate them as potential companions.  The Flower of the Chinese language Mayapple, conversely, jogs my memory of phlomis or fritillaria rubra.  See under for a full listing of potential plant companions.

As design goes – there are at all times two important and first concerns – seems and ecological providers. Planting the native mayapple implies that you can be serving to present extra ecosystem providers. The ripe fruits of native mayapple is a meals supply for field turtles.  

Mayapples in New England Gardens

For us right here alongside the Maine coast, having the massive, nearly tropical-like look of the Podophyllum pleianthum is a placing addition to our dry-shade backyard areas. From what I’m studying in regards to the vegetation, they resent being in areas that keep moist or being in an excessive amount of daylight.

When you plant them in dry shade, be sure you water steadily till established. During times of dry climate, I might be sure you give them a supplemental drink or two of water. They are going to proceed to look nice within the gardens till our first arduous frost, which generally is available in late October. That seems to be round six months of fascinating foliage within the gardens.

In case you are adventuresome, be sure you have your friends crawl on the bottom in late spring to see the enticing, deep purple flowers (or plant them in an elevated space so we are able to see underneath the leaves!). Sadly, the flowers are normally hanging underneath the massive foliage so they’re arduous to see. As talked about above, within the fall, they produce enticing yellow-green fruit over an inch lengthy and half as extensive.

– Rodney

Planting Concepts for Podophyllum (Both the Chinese language selection or the Native Selection).

Different choices for plant companions for both  Podophyllum peltatum (North American Mayapple) or Podophyllum pleianthum (Himalayan/ Chinese language Mayapple):

Foliage Crops to Mix with Podophyllum:

1. Hostas (Hosta spp.): These shade-loving perennials are available varied sizes and leaf colours, making a dynamic distinction.
2. Ferns (Varied species): Shade-loving ferns, equivalent to ostrich fern or maidenhair fern, can create a lush and textured backdrop.
3. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): With their various foliage colours, Coral Bells create visible curiosity and might tolerate partial shade.
4. Epimedium (Epimedium spp.): Also called barrenwort, it’s a low-maintenance floor cowl with distinctive foliage that enhances the Chinese language Mayapple.
5. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum): Its silvery fronds add a contact of class and distinction to the daring leaves of the Himalayan Mayapple.
6. Heucherella (Heucherella spp.): This hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella affords a wide range of leaf colours and enhances the daring foliage of Podophyllum pleianthum.
7. Bergenia (Bergenia spp.): With its daring, leathery leaves and early spring flowers, Bergenia creates a strong and textured look within the backyard.
8. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra): This swish grass provides a tender and flowing texture to the backyard, enhancing the general design.

Blooming Woodland Crops:

1. Trillium (Trillium spp.): These native woodland vegetation share comparable rising circumstances and supply further spring curiosity.
2. Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica): With its blue flowers, it enhances the white flowers of Mayapples and thrives in comparable circumstances.
3. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): The feathery plumes of Astilbe add texture and colour to the shade backyard, complementing the Mayapple’s umbrella-like foliage.
4. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): These evergreen perennials present early spring blooms and thrive in comparable shaded environments.
5. Bleeding Coronary heart (Dicentra spp.): The fragile, heart-shaped flowers add a swish contact to the understory the place the Chinese language Mayapple grows.
6. Fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.): This deciduous shrub affords lovely fall foliage and thrives in partial shade, enhancing the general backyard aesthetic.
7. Rhododendrons and Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): These flowering shrubs present a burst of colour and thrive in comparable acidic soil circumstances.

Replace (2023) – I planted podophyllum Spotty Dotty in my Backyard this summer time. It was a present from Matt Mattus. Spotty Dotty is a hybrid of a number of Asian Mayapples. Its leaves are chartreuse and choco-late brown (noticed, after all), and it has giant darkish purple flowers. I planted it in what I feel is the right spot – I’ll let you know the way it goes.