Himalayan Mayapple
Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (syn. Sinopodophyllum hexandrum)
Himalayan mayapple produces solitary pink to white cup-shaped flowers beneath distinctive umbrella-like leaves mottled with chocolate. Native to the Himalayas, these alpine blooms symbolize resilience, healing, and the mysterious beauty of mountain meadows.
Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
Late spring to early summer (May-June in native habitat)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: echinaceas and aethionemas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Himalayan mayapple holds deep significance in traditional Asian medicine systems, particularly in treating various ailments including cancers. The plant has been revered for centuries in the Himalayas, with its rhizomes known as "Indian podophyllum resin." The genus name Podophyllum comes from Greek "podos" (foot) and "phyllon" (leaf), referring to the resemblance of the leaves to a duck's foot. Overcollection for medicinal use has made this plant a conservation priority, with efforts underway to cultivate it sustainably.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial to full shade; tolerates more sun than American mayapple
Water
Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture during growing season
Soil
Moist, Humus-rich, Well-drained, Peaty, Slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Hardy in zones 5-9
New growth emerges mottled with chocolate brown, fading to green
Requires 2-8 weeks cold stratification for seed germination
Plant produces single leaf when young, 2-3 leaves at maturity
Only flowering plants have two umbrella-like leaves
Fruit ripens to red-purple in August
Caution: All parts highly toxic except fully ripe fruit
Goes dormant in late summer
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Woodland gardens and shade borders
- Alpine and rock gardens
- Ground cover in shaded areas
- Specimen plant for foliage interest
- Botanical collections and medicinal gardens
Traditional Uses
- Rhizomes contain podophyllotoxin used in anti-cancer drug development
- Used in traditional Ayurvedic, Unani, and Tibetan medicine
- Historically used as intestinal purgative and emetic
- Contains lignans with antitumor properties
- CRITICAL: Plant parts highly toxic - medicinal use only under expert guidance
- Overcollection from wild has led to conservation concerns
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Himalayan Mayapple
is himalayan mayapple toxic
Yes, all parts of Himalayan mayapple are highly toxic except the fully ripe fruit. The plant contains podophyllotoxin and should never be consumed without expert guidance.
what is the difference between himalayan and american mayapple
Himalayan mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum) has pink flowers with 6 petals and chocolate-mottled leaves, while American mayapple has white flowers with 6-9 petals and plain green leaves.
how do you grow himalayan mayapple
Grow Himalayan mayapple in moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. It's hardy in zones 5-9 and requires cold stratification for seed germination.
why is himalayan mayapple endangered
Himalayan mayapple is threatened by overcollection from the wild for its medicinal rhizomes, which contain valuable compounds used in cancer treatment research.
when does himalayan mayapple bloom
Himalayan mayapple blooms in late spring to early summer (May-June), producing pink to white cup-shaped flowers beneath its distinctive umbrella-like leaves.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea, known as Purple Coneflower, is a native prairie wildflower symbolizing healing, strength, and spiritual power.
Aethionema
Aethionema spp. (commonly A. grandiflorum)
Aethionema, commonly called Stone Cress, is a charming alpine perennial or sub-shrub producing delicate racemes of pink or white flowers above neat foliage. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine troughs.
Aethionema
Aethionema spp. (commonly A. grandiflorum)
Aethionema, commonly called Stone Cress, is a charming alpine perennial or sub-shrub producing delicate racemes of pink or white flowers above neat foliage. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine troughs.