Species: Podophyllum Peltatum

Habitat: The May Apple is found over the entire U.S., where rich foil exists.  Occasionally they are found in fence rows.  They grow between South Mexico to Florida and Texas to Minnesota

Growing Season: The May Apple blooms before sun is hidden during the early summer, between April and June, and die back as summer progresses.
 

Plant size: The perennial is 12-18 inches.  The flower is 2 inches wide, and the fruit is about the size of a walnut. Significant Characteristics/Features for Identification: The may apple has large leaves to capture the sun more efficiently.  They stay alive longer than other wildflowers.  Produces a large lemon like berry from the waxy, white flower.  DO NOT TOUCH the leaves, roots, and flower.  They are poisonous, and the powdered roots and resin can cause skin and eye problems.  Etoposide, a semi synthetic derivative of this plant, is FDA proved for testicular and small cell lung cancer.  Has 6-9 petals, a solitary, nodding white flower blooms in a angle, between a pair of large lobed leaves. Uses/Folklore:  They make jelly from the fruit, they also eat the ripe fruits raw.  Many potions were made.  They mostly used as a cathartic to treat veneral warts.  Americans and early settlers used the roots as a strong progative, "live cleanser," emetic worm excellent, for Jaundice, constipation, hepatitis, fevers, and syphilis.  Beware when you pull the May Apple out of the ground.  An old mountain superstition once said if a girl pulled the roots of the May Apple out of the ground, she would become pregnant.