There are lots of colonies of Mayapples at Meeks Park.  And they are just now emerging from their winter sleep.

 

Mayapples are in the family Berberidacae, along with Barberry and Nandina shrubs, and Blue Cohosh herbaceous plants.  I think it's interesting how plants that seem so dissimilar can be related.  But it's all about Taxonomy, a complex science that focuses on similar characteristics of plants and animals.  

 

Back to the Mayapples:

 

Mayapples are native to the eastern and central United States, and are found in low woods, and moist meadows. Podophyllum peltatum Linnaeus, Mayapples are also called Mandrakes.The blooms emerge early in May, underneath the leaves; one flower per a set of two leaves.  Single leaves bear no flower.  

 

The flowers develop into an edible yellow fruit that looks and smells like a lemon.  Be careful, though, because the leaves, roots, and unripe fruits are TOXIC.  We just enjoy seeing them in the woods and breathing the lemon-scented air.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!