Member of the Berberidaceae (Barberry) family. Grows in woodlands, openings, often in colonies, 12 - 18 inches, April - June. Contains a single, nodding, waxy, 6 to 9 petaled flower attached in the crotch below 2 large, deeply divided, umbrella like leaves. The fruit is a large lemon like berry and is edible. Springing from underground stems, May apple often forms large colonies of one to one and a half foot plants.