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Podophyllum peltatum
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dscn5206

Podophyllum peltatum (May apple, Raccoon berry)
Berberidaceae
Barbara and John Hopper, Kenwood

Shown growing in a container, this is the eastern native species which is quite common in woodlands from Quebec to Texas. It is rhizomatous, in contrast to the last species. The lobed peltate leaves are about a foot across. The blooming stem will bear 2 leaves with a down-turned 1.5 to 1-inch fragrant white flower. The leaves are borne on a petiole about 15 inches high. An edible yellow fruit is formed. The root base of all species are extracted for podophyllin, used in treating warts.