Last week’s puzzler was perfect for the first day of May since it is called Mayapple, or Podophyllum peltatum. It is also called Indian Apple, Wild Lemon, Raccoon Berry and Wild Mandrake.
Mayapples form large, dense mats in damp, open woods. They are unique in that they only have two leaves–and those are super recognizable as they are huge and umbrella-like. At the base of the leaves, a single white flower forms in early May. Though there is no nectar in the flowers, native bees visit them for the large dose of pollen they can get. Later, a small, green fruit develops and hangs from the base that is said to taste like an apple. I can’t say I’ve ever tasted a Mayapple, have you? The rest of the plant including the leaves, and roots are poisonous if ingested in large quantities.
Ready for another puzzler? Let’s stick with the wildflower theme and do a flower that is commonly seen blooming in the spring in shady forests, beside roads, in backyards. It’s a yellow, daisy-like flower that here in western NC is growing everywhere right now! See if you recognize it.