Forest Flowers
Podophyllum peltatum - Mayapple or Mandrake
Mayapple blossomThe Mayapple enjoys growing in damp, shady woods. Its common name from comes from its approximate time of blooming and the resemblance of its blossom to that of the apple, though the fruit much more closely resembles a lemon. Though Mayapple is sometimes called "Mandrake" it has no relation to the Old World plant of the same name.
 
Mayapple fruit
The ripe fruits (the pulp surrounding the seeds) can be eaten raw, made into jelly or squeezed and used like lemon juice. Small doses of a tea made from the root have been known to stimulate the liver to expel bile (sounds yummy).  The roots, leaves, seeds, and green fruit are toxic in large quantities, but in lower doses can be used a cathartic for those in need of purgation. 
Family: Barberry (Berberidaceae) 

Blooms: April through June

Fruit: Large lemon-like berry

Native to: America

Photo Location: Top and right - Lower Huron Metropark
Above right - Canton, MI

 Mayapple
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