Scientific Name
Podophyllum peltatum
Common Name
Mayapple, mandrake

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Berberidaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb; stem unbranched, with 1-2 large, rounded, umbrella-like, deeply 5-9-lobed leaves; flower solitary, nodding, in axil between 2 leaves, 6-9 parted, white; fruit apple-like, yellow when ripe.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in rich woods and fields, pastures.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Unripe fruit, leaves.
Symptoms
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, headache, fever, coma.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Ripe (yellow and soft) fruit is edible raw, but in limited quantity. CAUTION: The roots and leaves are poisonous. Do NOT eat. HARVEST TIME: Collect in August or September. Only collect fruit from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURE: Wash fruit thoroughly with warm water. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. The fruit has a lemon-like flavor and can be used to make jams, jellies and marmalade. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.
Toxic Principle
Podophyllin
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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