You may have seen this neighbor in our woods lately: the large umbrella-like leaves of the May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) are one of the first green plants to cover the forest floor in spring. But, when you lower your vantage point enough to peek underneath those leaves you’ll see the delicate white flower that is hidden there. The fruit of the May-apple (the “apple”, I guess) is edible when ripe (yellow and soft). However, according to Roger Tory Peterson’s son, Lee Peterson in his “Peterson Guide to Edible Wild Plants” indicates that the leaves, roots and green, unripe fruit are toxic – so be patient if you’re planning to eat these!
