Podophyllum peltatum was named by Linnaeus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum. Podophyllum translates, somewhat cryptically, as ?foot leaf.? The species portion of the scientific name means shield-shaped, a reference to the way petioles join at the middle of the leaf blade as opposed to its margin. 

Mayapples frequent mesic to dry-mesic upland forests, well-drained floodplain forests, and various moist, disturbed habitats. The flowers are capable of self- or cross-pollination. Pollinating insects include bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, butterflies, and moths. The flowers produce no nectar, but nutritious pollen serves as pollinator reward. Mayapples are included among the several host plants utilized by caterpillars of the Variegated Fritillary; several moth caterpillars also feed on the plant. Ripe fruits are consumed by small mammals and box turtles.

To learn more about VNPS's 2025 Wildflower of the Year - Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) please visit https://vnps.org/wildflower-of-the-year-2025-mayapple-podophyllum-peltatum/

"Learning about native plants has really opened my eyes to the amazing diversity that we have in Virginia. Each plant's own unique characteristics, life history, and how it contributes to the ecological, and human community fascinates me and makes me excited to learn more. Every plant species has a story, and it was so interesting to learn about Mayapple's when I was creating this design; from the large native bees that pollinate the plant, to the box turtles that spread their seeds, to the rhizomes that create colonies of these spring plants, I have become infatuated with the nature of Mayapple." - Nick Garnhart

To see more of Nick's work please visit garnhartillustration.com or follow them on instagram @garnhart.illustration

Photo: Brooke McDonough