Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

        From late spring to early summer this plant, also know as Mandrake or Hog Apple, produces large, two inch wide, white to purple flowers on plants one to two feet tall.
        Preferring shady, moist areas, the Mayapple, a native plant, grows in colonies, and is found in the eastern and central United States.
        The reproductive parts of the plants are not easily visible since the flowers face the ground.
        The leaves and roots of this plant are poisonous! The fully ripened fruit is eatable and may be eaten raw or stored dry. Pies and jellies may be made from the fruit
       Parts of the plants has been used as an ingredient in medicines for treating cancer and an extract from the leaves as an insecticide.

Warning: It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since many similar species may cause illness or death.