Mayapples

Although my woods is just a small dot on this huge planet of ours, I always find something magical and new to learn.  This year I became interested in the Mayapples that grow in the woods and along our trail.  Every year I see these leafy umbrellas in large patches throughout the forest floor and they peak my curiosity and imagination. I sometimes picture them as little huts where fairies can find shelter from the spring rain. When the plant blooms I see little white flower princesses standing under their green umbrella hiding from the sun's burning rays.  These plants definitely make a statement and are often found in large colonies scattered about wooded areas.  I did some research to find that these plants have been used for many many years back to the Native Americans.  The plant itself is poison but when ripe people and animals eat the berries.  The plant also has some pharmaceutical uses. The berries ripen  at the end of summer.  However this is not a recommendation to go out and try them unless you have done your research and know for sure berries are ripe and safe to eat.  The berries too are poison until ripe and then should only be consumed in small quantities.  Also interestingly, this plant is also called the Mandrake. The Mandrake is in a scene of one of the Harry Potter movies, though I believe a different variety.  There are many resources for more information on the web.