Overview
Podophyllum peltatum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Podophyllum, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Podophyllum peltatum grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to E North America.
About the genus
Podophyllum is a genus of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native from Afghanistan to China, and from southeast Canada to the central and eastern United States. The genus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Wikipedia contributors, "Podophyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Podophyllum
In the garden
A low-growing herbaceous perennial, Podophyllum peltatum typically reaches around 0.3 m and originates in eastern North America. Flowering takes place in April to May and the flowers have a discernible fragrance. The plant suits situations where light is limited and a low spring flowering layer is wanted. Position Podophyllum peltatum in full shade and plant into a sandy or loamy soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid heavy waterlogging. Mulch to conserve moisture through drier spells and choose a site sheltered from hot, drying sun. It is fully hardy for UK conditions (H7) and is also listed for USDA zones 3–9, so it tolerates a wide range of winter cold. At roughly 0.3 m tall it works as a ground-level element in shaded borders or beneath larger plants and shrubs where it will not compete for direct sunlight. Take care when planting or cutting back: the species is harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs) are also at risk if they ingest plant material, and for further information and contact numbers regarding pets see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Expect the scented spring flowers in April to May as the plant’s principal seasonal feature.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Podophyllum
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Podophyllum peltatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Native to
- E North America
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Podophyllum peltatum
- Propagation
- By seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Podophyllum peltatum?
Podophyllum peltatum prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Podophyllum peltatum need?
Podophyllum peltatum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Podophyllum peltatum grow?
Podophyllum peltatum reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Podophyllum peltatum hardy in the UK?
Podophyllum peltatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Podophyllum peltatum?
By seed, division.
Is Podophyllum peltatum toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- The Thrifty GardenGood gardens are made of time, not money. How to build one slowly and cheaply — secondhand kit, divisions, cuttings, seed and bare-root plants.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Podophyllum genus
- Podophyllum hexandrumHimalayan Mayapple
- Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus'Himalayan May Apple
- Podophyllum pleianthummany-flowered Chinese mayapple
- Podophyllum hexandrum var. chinenseHimalayan May Apple