Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum
Berberidaceae or Barberry Family
 

Large distinctive leaves, umbrella-like, deeply cleft into finger-like lobes.  Leaf stalk near center of leaf.  Plants have one or two leaves; those with two leaves have a single showy white flower, with 6 petals, beneath the leaves.  Fruit a yellowish "apple."  The leaves appear in early spring, the flowers bloom in late April to May, and the fruits follow.  The plant dies back in late spring and disappears until next year.

Attractive plant of shady woods.  Very common in the woods on the western slope of the park, but, remember, leaves and flowers are only visible in the spring.

Very distinctive plant; nothing else in Wildwood resembles it.