The May Apple

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hey everyone. I stumbled across an article today on Garden.org that talked about early colonial vegetable gardens, e.g. How the pilgrims would have grown vegetables. It was a neat article, but what really caught my eye was the mention of the plant "May Apple" as a very powerful insecticide. I did some more reading on it and found that they would boil the leaves and stem in liquid, and pour the liquid solution on their garden patches if having bug infestations. I found this intriguing, as those plants will completely cover the ground here down by the creeks in the summer. I've always wondered if they have any use. Does anyone know anymore about this plant?

Featured Answer

AmyinOwasso/zone 6b

8 years ago

Podophyllum peltatum. Leaves and roots are poisonous. Resin is used to remove warts (?). Supposedly ripe fruit can be made into jelly.

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Comments (6)

LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Jacob - Interesting! I don't know about using it to make an insecticide but it is very useful for me in that it is one of the things I use as a signal that it is time to start hunting for Morel mushrooms in my area. About the time they first start opening the game is on!
jacoblockcuff (z5b/6a CNTRL Missouri
Original Author
8 years ago
Jack, I've always wanted to hunt for mushrooms. How do you recognize the Morel mushrooms? I may have to keep this in mind this spring! My grandma is very good at hunting for Morel mushrooms and she hunts them most springs. I should join her sometime this spring and have her show me how to recognize them.

I like to fry mushrooms with some sour cream, red wine vinegar, different spices, etc. How do you like to prepare yours?
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lady_nikki
8 years ago
what is the scientific name for May Apple? I want to make sure I get the right thing - thanks!
jacoblockcuff (z5b/6a CNTRL Missouri
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, Amy. I believe the fruit will rip up your stomach when not properly ripe, and even when ripe if eating too much you can get sick...I'll pass on the fruit lol
LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Jacob - there are 4 different species of morel mushrooms but they all have some things in common. Hollow stem, and a hollow sponge like cap. There is a mushroom called a false morel as well that should be avoided. If you google 'Morel Mushroom pictures' you will see pics of all types as well as the false morel. Morel's really don't look much like any other type of mushroom.

It would be a very good idea to go out with your grandma a time or 2 to learn how to recognize them and just as important learn where the best places to find them are. Probably early April would be the time to look in NW Arkansas but your grandma would know best. They show up on the south facing slopes first. Some friends and I are planning a trip to Pomme de Terre lake (north of Springfield, MO) in April to fish for Crappie and hunt Morels.

Most times I just slice, batter in egg, salt, flour and fry for about 3 minutes per side. They are also great on omelets, pasta, pizza, sauteed over steaks. If you hit the Mother lode you can dehydrate them and reconstitute when needed.

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