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Caulophyllum (Cohosh), Diphylleia (Umbrella Leaf) & Podophyllum (Mayapple)

Blue Cohosh, Umbrella Leaf and Mayapple are beautiful herbaceous perennials within the Barberry family (Berberidaceae) and are native of rich, slightly moist soils in open spots in woods. They have a dicjunct distribution in North America and from Japan to northern Asia. All species are easily grown in any humus rich, well-drained, preferably slightly moist soil in a sunny to partially shaded spot.
=> Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has become rare in nature ue to overcollection for medical purposes. It makes elegantly dissected leaves with a central spike of small white flowers followed by showy, blue berries in autumn.
=> Umbrella Leaf species (Diphylleia spp.) make unusual large, umbrella like leaves topped by racemes of white flowers followed by utmost ornamental blue berries on red peduncles in autumn.
=> Mayapple species (Podophyllum spp.) have large, round or broadly dissected, serrated leaves and white, cream to pale rose flowers, which are followed by ornamental, large, bright colored egg shaped fruits (especially Podophyllum hexandrum).
Sow seeds immediately on receipt flat in any rich, well drained soil. Keep pots in a sunny, protected spot outside during winter. All species require a cooling period of several months prior to germination. Several seeds may naturally need two, rarely even three years (especially Caulophyllum thalictroides) before they will finally germinate - thus be patient with these wonderful and longlived woodland plants ! Transplant the dormant rootstock to the final spot in the garden as soon as leaves have withered in late autumn.
All are USDA Climate Zone 6.
10 seeds per package (Diphylleia spp. et Podophyllum spp.), respectively 5 large seeds per package (Caulophyllum spp.).
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Caulophyllum thalictroides (North American Blue Cohosh)

Caulophyllum thalictroides (North American Blue Cohosh)

40 (100)cm, North American Blue Cohosh is a clump forming perennial with olive green, broadly feathered foliage and an upright hold stalk with a lose umbel of small greenish-brown flowers followed by most ornamental, intense blue berries in late summer and autumn. It is native of rich, semi-moist soils in woods in the eastern parts of North America. Easily grown in any humus rich to preferably peaty, well drained, always slightly moist soil in partial shade. Seeds are slow in germination and may need two years to germinate. IV-VI.
5 seeds per package.

price (plus Shipping Costs)
seed package0007 € 9,90
Podophyllum hexandrum (syn. Podophyllum emodi)

Podophyllum hexandrum (syn. Podophyllum emodi)

30 (50)cm, Himalayan Mayapple is native of humus rich, moist soils in woods in the Himalaya. Makes nice whitish rose to white flowers born with or slightly above the broadly dissected and serrated foliage, which gains an enormous size sufficient moisture provided in spring. Flowers are followed by most ornamental, goose-egg sized fruits (edible, yet not very tasty, and keep in mind that all other parts of the plant are toxic !), which turn bright orange red in July and August. IV-V.
10 seeds per package.

price (plus Shipping Costs)
seed package 1551 € 3,99
seed package
Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)

Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)

70 (100)cm, North American Mayapple is one out of two species in this genus. It is native in eastern North America (Quebec and Minnesota to Florida and Texas) and has an umbrella like leaf (note: flowering plants always make two leaves). The white flowers are followed by quite large ovoid fruits turning bright yellow on maturing. When fully ripe fruits have a very intense, pineapple like fragrance and are edible (yet keep in mind that all other parts of the plant are toxic !). A very adoptable rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial which grows easily in any rich, well drained soil in a partially shaded spot. Seeds are scarce ! IV-V.
10 seeds per package.

price (plus Shipping Costs)
seed package1552 € 5,99