Umbrella plants, also known as May Apples are on the list of my favorite things in spring.
It wasn't until after we were married that I found out that they produce flowers. I had never examined them closely enough to see the delicate white blossoms hiding under the umbrella like leaves.
That first spring after we got married LV came into the house one day with a freshly picked bouquet that included the flowers from the umbrella plant.
I was absolutely delighted with it.
Every spring after that as long as we had access to umbrella plants he would present me with another bouquet. I loved each and every one of them.
Currently the hill behind the house is covered in half grown umbrella plants. And after 25+ years of having an annual bouquet, I'm thinking it's fait to assume that before too long I will be getting another one.
Have you ever eaten a mayapple?
ReplyDeleteWe used to have them growing in the woods behind our house. I've seen the blooms, but never saw any fruit on them. I read that every part of the plant is poisonous (and can cause contact dermatitis if handled without gloves) but the fruit is edible.
Oh! And some components of the mayapple are used to fight certain cancers. I think that's amazing.
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