Podophyllum peltatum
May Apple
Berberidaceae
Ground covers, Perennials, Decorative fruit or berries
PODOPHYLLUMOdd-looking yet striking plants, these herbaceous barberry relatives grow from thick underground rhizomes that send up stalks crowned with large,umbrella-shaped, deeply lobed leaves. Shoots with a single leaf are flowerless; those with two leaves bear a single 2-in.-wide flower (set between the leaves) in mid- to late spring. Blooms are followed by juicy, 2-in. berries; these are edible when fully ripe (poisonous until that stage) but can have a powerful laxative effect. Make attractive, slowly spreading deciduous ground covers for shady areas with moist, organically enriched soil.
Podophyllum peltatumFrom eastern North America. To 1– 1 1/2ft. high, 1 ft. wide. Foliage is bronze when new; mature leaves are shiny dark green, to 1 ft.wide, divided into five to nine lobes. White flowers followed by bright yellow berries. Spreads fairly fast in its preferred rich,moist soil. Dies back completely in late summer.
Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
This is a dwarf (to 3 ft. high and wide) holly with larger red fruit.
Ilex verticillata 'Afterglow'
This holly has orange-red berries on a globe-shaped plant.
Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy'
This small male holly is grown for foliage and pollination. Grows 4 ft. tall and wide.
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