Podophyllum
Flourishing in moist, humus-rich niches, Podophyllum’s vigorous fleshy rhizomes form a substantial colony. Every part of Podophyllum is toxic except the ripened “apples,” although recent studies indicate the entire plant contains promising medicinal properties including anticancer and other healing compounds.
Each $11.75
Found throughout most of eastern North America and southern Texas, this captivating rhizomatous woodland perennial propels pleated, spiral-wrapped leaves up through the soil and heralds spring. With a long central stalk attached to its flip side, the polished, deeply divided green foliage is palmately lobed and spans over 12 in. across, dramatically unfurling in an umbrella-like fashion. A lone, winsome waxy white blossom, defined by six to nine overlapping rounded petals plus prominent yellow stamens, dangles underneath the leaf axil on a short slim pedicle. The extraordinary show continues as edible, round egg-size green fruit turn golden. Appreciative of moist, humus-rich niches, Podophyllum peltatum′s slow-spreading fleshy roots eventually form a robust colony that imparts unparalleled lushness to woodlands and shady borders, yet retreats into summer dormancy and should not be consumed.
Blooms April
Size: 12" – 18" high x 12" – 18" wide.
Hardy to zone 3.