Texas Wildbuds

Podophyllum peltatum

(May Apple)

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Podophyllum peltatum, Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison Co. 0381

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Podophyllum peltatum, Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison Co. 0386

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Podophyllum peltatum, Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison Co. 0394

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Podophyllum peltatum, Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison Co. 0387

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Podophyllum peltatum, Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison Co. 0390

Scientific Name Podophyllum peltatum USDA PLANTS Symbol POPE
Common Name May Apple ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18850
Family Berberidaceae (Barberry) SEINet
Reference		 Click Here
Description Habitat: Rich soils in woods, thickets, fields, moist road banks, river banks.
Plant: Colony-forming perennial, stout, erect stem up to 24 inches tall with one or two leaves at the tip and a single nodding, white flower.
Leaves: Large, simple, nearly round in outline, 4 to 16 inches across, deeply 3- to 9-parted; parts may be 2-lobed; attached at center (peltate) to petioles that are 2 to 4 inches long.
Inflorescence: Solitary, nodding, fragrant, waxy-white (very rarely pink) flowers 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide on peduncles up to 2-3/8 inches long arising leaf axils; 6 to 9 petals are obovate 0.6 to 1.4 inches long and up to 1-inch wide; twice as many stamens as petals with yellow anthers surrounding ovoid greenish ovary and ruffled stigmas; round, light green sepals are 0.4 to 0.7 inches across.
Bloom Period: March and April.
Fruit: Large, fleshy, usually yellow berries, are 1.4 to 2.2 inches long and 0.8 to 1.6 inches wide with numerous seeds.
References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, Flora of North America, Illinois Wildflowers and Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses.		 BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key		 Texas Status:
Native
Back to White/Green Flowers

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2025

Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website cannot be guaranteed. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently.