Himalayan Mayapple

Podophyllum hexandrum

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Berberidaceae
Genus:
Podophyllum
Species:
Podophyllum hexandrum
USDA Symbol:
POHE16

Growth Characteristics

Height:
45 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to Himalayan regions; prefers cool, shaded areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days
Germination Time:
30–365 days
Notes:
Seeds exhibit double dormancy requiring warm followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take up to a year or more.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 20°C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4°C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10°C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle. Germination is improved by using GA3. Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water for approximately 7 days. Discard water. * hydrophilic, some may start to germinate after 3 weeks of warmth

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society