Plants in genus podophyllum
Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as mayapple, is a spring woodland ephemeral native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It features green umbrella-like foliage and a rare pink-flowered form discovered in Missouri. This plant spreads via underground stolons and forms large colonies, preferring rich, moist soils.
Podophyllum difforme
Podophyllum difforme is a unique plant known for its singular stem and leaf trait, with leaves that are quadrangular in shape and feature purple patterning on the top. It produces red-purple flowers in late spring and thrives in light-shade woodland settings with rich, slightly moist soil. This plant's distinctive foliage and preference for shaded areas make it an interesting addition to woodland gardens.
Podophyllum pleianthum
Podophyllum pleianthum, known as the Giant Chinese mayapple, is a clumping plant with a tropical appearance. It is native to south-central and southeast China, including Taiwan, and is deer-resistant. This plant prefers moist, organic soils and performs best in shaded areas. It features red bell-shaped flowers in early May and may experience short summer dormancy in severe heat. While used in traditional Chinese medicine, it contains the cytotoxic compound podophyllotoxin, making it toxic if ingested.
Podophyllum peltatum 'Wagon Wheels'
Podophyllum peltatum 'Wagon Wheels', commonly known as mayapple, is a native plant with unique foliage that emerges in late winter. It features bronze blotches and a light green central ring on its leaves, with solitary white flowers appearing in spring. This summer-dormant species can form a 5-foot-wide patch over a decade.
Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii
Podophyllum peltatum f. deamii, discovered in 1927 by Dr. C.C. Deam, is a spring ephemeral with pink flowers and bright red fruit. Its foliage emerges heavily flushed with brown and spreads via thick underground rhizomes. This plant is notable for its unique appearance and adaptability to various garden settings.
Podophyllum delavayi
Podophyllum delavayi is a plant native to South-Central China, known for its lobed, peltate foliage mottled in spring. It produces deep red, foul-scented flowers in May and thrives in moist woodland conditions. This plant is perfect for adding a tropical look to shaded gardens.
Podophyllum peltatum 'Maid Marion'
Podophyllum peltatum 'Maid Marion' is a unique plant native to Texas, emerging around Valentine's Day. It grows 15-inch tall stalks with deeply incised green foliage adorned with copper patterns. The plant produces fragrant white flowers in spring and becomes dormant in summer. It spreads by rhizomes, forming an 8-foot wide patch over a decade, and is known for its drought tolerance and deer resistance.
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding'
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Tai Wedding' is a deciduous, clump-forming plant with glossy green, deeply-lobed leaves. It produces dangling clusters of beet-red flowers in April and is outstanding in woodland gardens. This plant does not run or go dormant in early summer.
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Snowfall'
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Snowfall' is a white-flowered form of the Chinese mayapple, forming a 20-inch tall clump with angular glossy green leaves. It produces large clusters of creamy white flowers in May and thrives in slightly moist woodland gardens.
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty' is a vigorous hybrid of the Chinese Podophyllum delavayi, featuring 1.5-foot tall fuzzy red stalks and 18-inch wide tropical-looking leaves. The foliage is heavily mottled with measles-like splotches, and it produces bright red flowers resembling shredded mop heads in late April. This plant thrives in moist, organically rich soils and does not spread or go summer dormant like the US native mayapple.
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Taipei Treasure'
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Taipei Treasure' is a plant known for its large glossy green lobed leaves and unique ketchup-colored flowers in early spring. This plant forms a 2-foot tall by 1.5-foot wide clump and does not run or go dormant in early summer. It thrives in part sun to light shade and is a favorite among gardeners for its deer resistance and drought tolerance. The plant's striking appearance and adaptability to various conditions make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Podophyllum aurantiocaule
Podophyllum aurantiocaule is a rare Chinese mayapple species, typically growing to 2 feet tall. It usually develops two leaves and produces pinkish red umbrella-like flowers in early spring. This clump-forming plant remains green until fall and was collected in Yunnan, China.
Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope'
Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope' is a hybrid plant known for its striking foliage and unique flower clusters. It features 2-foot tall stalks with 18-inch wide hexagonal green leaves adorned with a kaleidoscope pattern of silver and black. In late summer, it produces clusters of large wine-red flowers, adding a dramatic touch to shaded garden areas.
Podophyllum 'Galaxy'
Podophyllum 'Galaxy' is a deciduous perennial introduced from Japan, known for its unique hexagonal leaves with a black starfish pattern. It grows up to 18 inches tall and features red, pendulous flowers in spring. This plant is ideal for part sun to light shade and does not go dormant in summer, making it a reliable choice for adding interest to shaded garden areas.
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Sugar Daddy'
Podophyllum pleianthum 'Sugar Daddy' is a variegated Chinese mayapple known for its unstable white leaf streaking, which can sometimes result in solid green leaves. This plant is deer-resistant and thrives in light to full shade, making it a unique addition to shaded gardens.