American Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatumfam. Berberidaceae
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Pl. 43E2 — Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatum
IOverview
Overview
American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, found in moist, shady areas from Alabama to Wisconsin and south to Texas. This plant is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed when ripe. It thrives in light or full shade with well-drained soil that is either sandy or medium in texture. American Mandrake grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is recognizable by its distinctive, palmate leaves. While it has historical uses, caution should be exercised as the plant contains toxic compounds.
Quick answers
What is American Mandrake?
American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, found in moist, shady areas from Alabama to Wisconsin and south to Texas. This plant is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed when ripe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
American Mandrake thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.3 meters. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. The fruit is edible but the plant should be handled with care due to potential toxicity.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow American Mandrake for the first time
8steps
Start with American Mandrake as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy American Mandrake plant or seeds, well-draining soil, and a shady spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight to prevent stress on new growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter before new growth begins to maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The American Mandrake's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the ripe berries are consumed fresh or incorporated into jams and jellies. Skip the seeds as they may be toxic.
Other uses:Pest controlFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Berberidaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Berberidaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 43e2a36d-0992-4090-9ce3-a2341194406e
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