May apple

Or Mayapple

noun

1. an American plant, Podophyllum peltatum, of the barberry family, bearing an edible, yellowish, egg-shaped fruit.

2. the fruit itself.

May apple

noun

1. an American berberidaceous plant, Podophyllum peltatum, with edible yellowish egg-shaped fruit

2. the fruit of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of May apple¹

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35

Example Sentences

The forest now hosts a rich variety of native plants, including May apple, ferns, grasses, azaleas and magnolias.

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On the ground, the ivy suppresses indigenous woodland plants, including such spring beauties as trilliums, May apples and Virginia bluebells.

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They are referred to as May apples because colorful golf-ball-size fruit forms under the leaves.

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When I am almost ready to give up, I come upon a trampled and routed garden of May apples.

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The May apples were ripe, and I stuffed on those as I went through the woods.

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