Podophyllum cymosum (syn. Diphylleia cymosa)

Umbrella Leaf  Berberidaceae

A spectacular North American woodland perennial, Podophyllum cymosum produces enormous, umbrella-like leaves above which rounded clusters of white flowers appear in late spring, followed by handsome blue, glaucous berries held on contrasting red stalks. It is a particularly impressive plant for a cool, moist woodland garden, streamside planting or the edge of a pond, where its architectural foliage can be allowed to make a proper statement. Native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, from Virginia and Tennessee south through North and South Carolina to Georgia, it naturally inhabits moist woodland slopes, seepages and brook margins. 

Grow in deep or dappled shade in a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil that does not dry out in summer. It is surprisingly adaptable provided there is adequate moisture, and is best given plenty of space to develop its impressive foliage. Allow it to die back naturally in autumn rather than cutting it prematurely.

The nomenclature is worth noting: this species was originally described by André Michaux in 1803 as Diphylleia cymosa. In 2018, Christenhusz & Byng transferred Diphylleia into the broader genus Podophyllum, creating the currently accepted name Podophyllum cymosum (Michx.) Christenh. & Byng. The older name Diphylleia cymosa remains very common in horticultural literature, so plants encountered under that name are the same species.

Height: 70–130cm
Spread: 100–150cm
Flowering: May–June
Position: Deep or dappled shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Hardiness: H6 (−20°C to −15°C)

Note: The generic name Podophyllum is now treated broadly by Kew, incorporating several genera that were formerly separated, including Diphylleia, Dysosma and Sinopodophyllum.