Identification
This native perennial, often forming large colonies (C), grows up to 18″ tall. Two deeply lobed leaves, up to 12 inches wide, form umbrellas for a single white nodding flower, up to 2 inches across (B), which emerges on a stalk from the crotch formed by the two leaf stalks (A). The fruit ripens in July or August as a large, yellow-green berry (D).
Grows in moist woodlands. The two populations in Fontenelle Forest – both off the marked trails – were probably planted some time ago and have persisted. One is found in a ravine off Child’s Hollow (C), the other on the floodplain between Cottonwood Trail and the railroad tracks. Check with one of the Fontenelle Forest staff for directions. As the name implies, it blooms in May; the fruit appears in June and July.
Drugs derived from the root of this plant have been used in chemotherapy against several types of cancer. This plant has many other common names, such as Mandrake, Indian Apple, Hog Apple and Umbrella Plant.
Identified by its large, umbrella-like leaves and large, nodding white flower.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.