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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 18–24 inches
Width: 24–36 inches
Flower color: Deep red to purple, bell-shaped flowers with a distinctive star-like appearance
Foliage color: Glossy green, large; can have a slightly webbed appearance resembling a duck’s foot
Bloom time: April to May
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune back in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 6–8
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators

Perennials

Podophyllum pleianthum

Chinese Mayapple

Podophyllum pleianthum is a perennial native to China, valued for its unique foliage and ornamental qualities. The plant features large, webbed, duck-foot-shaped leaves that are smooth-edged and glossy green, adding a bold and textured element to shaded woodland gardens. These leaves stand out for their distinctive shape and provide a striking visual contrast throughout the growing season. The plant thrives in partial to full shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)