Mayapple is found throughout the Arboretum in small to large patches. It is especially conspicuous along the Oak-Hickory Trail, parts of the Cemetery Ridge Trail, and the Backwoods Trail in the early spring. Flowers will begin opening in mid-April.

Look for plants with two palmate leaves - the white flowers are found at the base of the petioles (stalks) of the two leaves. The pulpy fruit (the "apple") develops as the spring progresses and is the basis for the common name Mayapple. Although the leaves and roots are poisonous, extracts from the roots have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes such as treating jaundice, constipation, and hepatitis. A derivative from this plant has been approved for treatment of some cancers.

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