MAYAPPLES

Spring comes in a rush around here with plenty of temperature variations...we had some light snow yesterday; this morning it's still cold but the sun is shining. We might hit 50°F (10°C) this afternoon.

Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum), a.k.a Mandrakes, a.k.a. Umbrella Plants are among the first plants to show themselves in the northwoods. The name is obviously derived from the fact that they show up in May and produce a small, nut-like fruit that resembles an apple.....one per plant. 

It looks beautiful but it's quite toxic....all parts of it even down to the roots. Just touching the roots with bare hands might elicit an allergic response in the form of a skin rash...contact dermatitis. Taken internally, it might kill.

Interestingly, once ripe, the apple-like fruit is non toxic and may be eaten. Locals here make a jelly out of the fruit to spread on toast. But you'd better be certain that you can tell a ripe one from an unripe one. One mistake might be your last.

Best seen in Large.