Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Mayapple
If you live in eastern North America, you have probably come across this shade-loving perennial in late April and May.
Its distinctive palmate leaves, which put out before many grasses and other new growth in the spring, allow it to dominate its ecological niche—at least for a few weeks.
Not needing—nor receiving—much protection from still winter-bare branches of the surrounding trees, Mayapple basks in the relatively gentle rays of the April sun and stores nutritive elements in its thick, fleshy roots.
As the sun grows more intense, new foliage on the oak and hickory trees will give this under-story plant the protective cover it needs from the strong rays of summer.
In some locales call this native herb is called "Umbrella Plant," after this unusual spreading foliage.
Most common names, however, are tied to the fruit.
(The "apple", however, comes not in May, but later, in June or July.)
Some other interesting common names are Hog Apple, Indian Apple, Devil's Apple, and Wild Lemon.
The creamy-white blossoms are indeed a pretty sight, tucked away under their shading leaves.
Each delicate blossom comes equipped, in God's economy, with a sheltering, matched pair of leaves to provide the necessary shade.
They also reward one's consideration by emitting a lemony fragrance that is quite pleasant—except it made me sneeze when I moved in close for this shot!
(Insects like it too; the black dots on the petals are tiny flies.)
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