What is mayapple?

Have you ever heard of mayapple? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Despite its unassuming name, this curious little plant has a surprisingly rich history and a variety of uses that might just surprise you.

An Introduction to Mayapple

Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) are native to the eastern United States and Canada. They typically grow in wooded areas and prefer moist soil with plenty of shade. The plants themselves are quite distinct in appearance: they have large, umbrella-like leaves and produce either one or two small yellow flowers each spring. After flowering, the plant produces a green fruit that eventually turns into a bright yellow berry.

Fun fact: Did you know that mayapples can actually be poisonous? That’s right – all parts of the plant contain an alkaloid called podophyllotoxin which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death if ingested in large enough quantities.

Mayapple Through History

While mayapples are relatively obscure today, they’ve played an important role in human history for centuries. Native American tribes across the continent used extracts from various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes such as treating constipation, liver problems, fever, and snake bites.

When European settlers arrived on North American shores several hundred years ago, they quickly discovered these same health benefits for themselves using various parts of the mayapple to prepare poultices and teas, often combining them with other herbs found locally like goldenseal or Echinacea. A syrup made from cooked fruits was popular during Civil War era as it purportedly treated scurvy.

In addition to their medicinal value,

mayapples also have cultural significance

for many Native groups including Innu

& Kickapoo

some sources contend Anishinaabe tribes use bark shavings sprinkled over fire to kill mosquitoes

though this could be apocryphal

Modern Uses and Cultivation of Mayapple

Today, mayapples are primarily grown for their fruit. While they’re not well-known or widely available in grocery stores, the berries have a unique flavor that’s been described as a cross between pineapple and citrus. Mayapple jelly is especially popular in some southern states & can fetch a high price.

Some parts of the plant – most notably podophyllotoxin – continue to be used in modern medicine/ like treating warts, but this usually requires extraction by scientists or physicians familiar with appropriate dosages due poisonous nature.

Cultivating mayapples commercially is quite feasible,

but time-consuming: relying largely on producing beds from seed will take years up until maturity (~5-7 years) . The plants also grow slowly, typically showing slow growth after establishment which makes them unappealing for commercial growers seeking high yields.

As such , much of today’s supply comes still mostly from wild populations found throughout Appalachia.


In conclusion, there’s a lot more to the humble mayapple than meets the eye. From its use by Native Americans centuries ago to its place on modern-day dinner tables across America, these fascinating little plants have proven once again that even something small and obscure can hold hidden depths worth exploring.

Key Takeaways

  • Mayapples are native to North America and prefer wooded areas with moist soil;
  • All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids useful at low doses medically;
  • They were used medicinally by indigenous people before European settlers arrived;
  • Commercial production relies mainly on harvesting thinned beds rather than natural cultivation i.e. through direct sowing;

Random Posts