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Diphylleia cymosa - Michx.

Common Name Umbrella Leaf, American umbrellaleaf
Family Berberidaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Very rare in the wild, growing in rich woods in mountains[222], thriving by streams[200].
Range Eastern N. America - Virginia to Georgia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Diphylleia cymosa Umbrella Leaf, American umbrellaleaf


Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Diphylleia cymosa Umbrella Leaf, American umbrellaleaf
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 2: 129.

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Diphylleia cymosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiseptic  Cancer  Diaphoretic  Diuretic

A tea made from the roots is antiseptic, diaphoretic and diuretic[222, 257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of smallpox[257]. This is a very rare plant in the wild, so little research has been carried out into its medicinal virtues. However, it is believed that the root might contain podophyllin, an effective anti-cancer agent[222].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist humus-rich soil and semi-shade, growing well in a woodland garden[1, 130, 200]. The leaves are very large and can be up to 60cm across[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[175]. The seed is very slow to germinate, usually taking a year or more[175]. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Georgia (north), North Carolina (west), South Carolina (west), Tennessee (east), Virginia (west))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Diphylleia grayi Perennial0.4 -  LMSM10 
Diphylleia sinensisUmbrella LeafPerennial0.4 -  LMSM02 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Michx.

Botanical References

200235280

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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