Mayapple, another spring ephemeral, is blooming now with its large, glossy leaves shading the delicate white flowers beneath. The plant is unusual in that the flowers are quite well-hidden under the leaves and an admirer almost has to get down on all fours to see them.
I have a special affinity for Mayapple as it was one of several wildflowers that grew on my aunt and uncle's property when I was a child. Every spring when we visited, I would hike through the woods to find Mayapple, trillium and bleeding heart. I've tried growing all three and my best success has been with Mayapple.
Mayapple is a Virginia native and grows so well in favorable conditions that it colonizes abundantly by underground rhizomes. Already in my flowerbed, a single plant has expanded to cover a four-foot area in just a few years. Like most spring beauties, Mayapple fades after blooming and is gone by June.
Mayapple is not a deer snack – a plus! However, all parts of the plant are highly poisonous so beware if you have curious children or foraging pets.
Comments