Mayapple
There were at least one hundred plants in various stages of development throughout the woods. These leaves were still closed up; but, once they open, they will have a white, nodding flower develop underneath the leaves.
The common name refers to the May blooming of its apple-like flower. The leaves, roots, and seeds can be poisonous if ingested. However, roots were once used as a strong purgative by Native Americans. The fruit is edible and is used in jelly, juice, or eaten fresh. The fruit is egg-shaped and ripens July-August.
Mayapples are woodland plants, typically growing in colonies derived from a single root. The stems grow to 30–40 cm tall, with palmately lobed umbrella-like leaves up to 20–40 cm diameter with 3–9 shallowly to deeply cut lobes.
