Just beginning to emerge, these Eastern May Apples (Podophyllum peltatum) are found in our Rhododendron Glen. Native to the East Coast, from Canada to Florida, they form relatively large colonies in a shady woodland setting. The flowers, held underneath the leaves, range from the commonly occurring white to a light pink. A semi-edible plum-shaped fruit gives the plant its name.
The pleated leaves of the Veratrum viride var. californicum or False Hellebore make a striking addition to the garden. These are in the Glen near the Christmas Pond. Veratrum is native to the West Coast, mostly found in sub-alpine meadows and bogs. The plants will eventually reach five to six feet tall, and have small greenish white flowers on a tall branched inflorescence. Although wonderful to look at, great care should be taken in using in the landscape as they are extremely poisonous. Many coastal Native American tribes used Veratrum for medicinal purposes.
Our native Oxalis oregana (sometimes called Sorrel) is an excellent plant for growing in the dry and shady conditions found under our large conifers, like Douglas fir and Western red cedar.
