Podophyllum

The Mayapples

Podophyllum, commonly known as Mayapple or American Mandrake, are a fascinating group of woodland plants grown primarily for their spectacular foliage. Over recent years they have become increasingly popular with Australian gardeners looking for unusual shade-loving plants with real collector appeal.

Native to woodland regions of North America and Asia, these plants thrive in filtered light and humus-rich soils where they gradually form attractive clumps. While the flowers are interesting, it is the large textured leaves that make Podophyllum such desirable garden plants.

Recent botanical changes have seen many of the Asian species moved into the genus Dysosma, although they are still widely sold and referred to as Podophyllum in the nursery trade. Regardless of the name, they remain some of the most striking foliage plants available for shaded gardens.

The name Podophyllum means “foot leaf”, a reference to the distinctive shape of the foliage.

Why Grow Podophyllum?

For gardeners who enjoy woodland plants, Podophyllum offers something a little different.

The large umbrella-like leaves create a bold architectural effect in shaded areas and combine beautifully with ferns, hostas and other shade-loving perennials.

They are particularly useful for:

• Woodland gardens
• Shaded borders
• Underplanting deciduous trees
• Collector gardens
• Courtyard gardens
• Container growing
• Dry shade plantings

Many species also produce unusual flowers hidden beneath the foliage, followed by ornamental fruits.

How To Grow Podophyllum – Basic Care

Being woodland plants, Podophyllum grows best in light shade or dappled shade.

A position beneath deciduous trees is often ideal as the plants receive winter sunlight and summer shade.

Soil

These plants prefer:

• Well-drained soil
• Plenty of organic matter
• Moisture-retentive conditions
• Slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.8 to 6.5

Before planting, improve the soil with compost, leaf mould or well-rotted manure.

Watering

Although established plants can tolerate short dry periods, they perform best when soil moisture remains consistent.

Water deeply during prolonged dry weather, especially through spring and summer when growth is active.

Fertiliser

Podophyllums are surprisingly heavy feeders.

Apply compost, aged cow manure and a balanced organic fertiliser in spring. A layer of mulch will help conserve moisture while gradually improving the soil.

Climate

Most species prefer cool to temperate climates with protection from hot afternoon sun. They dislike prolonged heat and dry conditions.

Growing Podophyllum in Containers

One of the best ways to grow Podophyllum is in containers.

Raising the foliage closer to eye level allows you to appreciate not only the remarkable leaves but also the hidden flowers that often develop beneath them.

Use a premium potting mix enriched with compost and ensure good drainage.

Container-grown plants require more frequent watering but can become stunning feature specimens.

Seasonal Growth and Dormancy

Podophyllum is a deciduous perennial.

Fresh growth emerges in spring, often with beautifully coloured young foliage.

Plants reach their peak through late spring and summer before gradually dying back in autumn.

Do not be alarmed when plants disappear completely during winter. The underground rhizomes remain dormant and will reshoot when temperatures warm in spring.

Companion Plants

Podophyllum combines beautifully with other woodland plants.

Suitable companions include:

• Hostas
• Trilliums
• Uvularia
• Japanese Woodland Peony (Paeonia obovata)
• Ferns
• Hellebores
• Epimediums
• Brunnera

Together these plants create a layered woodland effect with year-round interest.

Popular Species and Varieties

Podophyllum peltatum – American Mayapple

This North American species remains one of the easiest to grow.

Large bright green leaves emerge in spring and gradually spread by underground rhizomes to form attractive colonies.

Small white flowers appear beneath the foliage followed by yellow fruits.

Although the fruit is edible when fully ripe, all other parts of the plant should be regarded as toxic.

Podophyllum pleianthum

Native to China and Japan, this species produces large glossy leaves held above deep red flowers.

The flowers appear beneath the foliage and are best appreciated when plants are grown in containers or on raised garden beds.

While the flowers can have a faint unpleasant scent, the magnificent foliage more than compensates.

Podophyllum delavayi

Among the most spectacular species in cultivation.

Native to China, Podophyllum delavayi produces large deeply lobed leaves heavily marked with dark maroon to chocolate-coloured spotting.

The foliage alone makes this species a standout feature in any shade garden.

Podophyllum delavayi ‘Spotty Dotty’

Perhaps the cultivar responsible for introducing many gardeners to the genus.

The dramatic foliage is heavily patterned with rich burgundy spotting over a mid-green background. Each leaf appears almost hand painted.

For collectors of unusual foliage plants, ‘Spotty Dotty’ is difficult to surpass.

Comparison of Popular Species

Species	Height	Features
Podophyllum peltatum	40–60cm	Bright green foliage, spreading habit
Podophyllum pleianthum	50–70cm	Glossy foliage, red flowers
Podophyllum delavayi	50cm	Large spotted foliage
‘Spotty Dotty’	50cm	Dramatic burgundy-spotted leaves

Common Problems

Plant Not Emerging in Spring

Dormant rhizomes can emerge late, particularly after cold winters. Be patient before assuming the plant has been lost.

Leaf Scorch

Usually caused by excessive sun exposure or hot drying winds.

Yellow Leaves

Can indicate poor drainage, nutrient deficiency or excessive heat.

Poor Growth

Generally caused by dry soil, insufficient organic matter or too much direct sunlight.

Toxicity

All parts of Podophyllum should be considered poisonous if ingested and the sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Wear gloves when handling plants and keep them away from pets and children.

Where To Buy

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The difference between Podophyllum and Dysosma is largely the result of botanical reclassification based on morphology and later genetic studies.

The Short Answer

Historically, many Asian species were included in the genus Podophyllum. Modern taxonomic work has moved most of these Asian species into the genus Dysosma, while the true Podophyllum genus is now much smaller and centred mainly on the North American species.

For gardeners, many nurseries and plant collectors still use the old Podophyllum names, so both names remain common in horticulture.

Key Differences

Feature	Podophyllum	Dysosma
Origin	Mainly North America	China, Japan, Taiwan and the Himalayas
Growth Habit	Colony-forming, spreading by rhizomes	More clump-forming, slower spreading
Leaves	Usually green and relatively simple	Often larger, more exotic and heavily patterned
Flowers	White flowers beneath foliage	Pink, red or maroon flowers beneath foliage
Garden Appeal	Traditional woodland ground cover	Grown primarily for dramatic foliage
Examples	Podophyllum peltatum	Dysosma delavayi, Dysosma pleiantha

Species That Changed Names

Many plants still sold as Podophyllum are now technically Dysosma.

Old Name	Current Accepted Name
Podophyllum delavayi	Dysosma delavayi
Podophyllum pleianthum	Dysosma pleiantha
Podophyllum versipelle	Dysosma versipellis
Podophyllum difforme	Dysosma difformis

Because horticulture often lags behind taxonomy, you’ll still see the older Podophyllum names in catalogues, plant labels and gardening books.

Which Are Better Garden Plants?

For Australian gardens, many collectors would argue that the Dysosma species are the more ornamental group.

Dysosma (formerly Podophyllum)

• Larger and more dramatic foliage.
• Spectacular leaf markings.
• Better specimen plants.
• Excellent in containers.
• Ideal for collectors.

A good example is Dysosma delavayi ‘Spotty Dotty’, with its heavily spotted foliage and bold woodland character.

Podophyllum

The best-known species is Podophyllum peltatum, the American Mayapple.

• More vigorous.
• Better as a woodland ground cover.
• Easier to naturalise beneath deciduous trees.
• Less dramatic foliage but excellent in larger woodland plantings.