Unripe vs. Ripe Mayapple Fruit

Unripe mayapple fruit, leaves, and roots contain podophyllotoxin — toxic.

The tell: Edible: fruit fully ripe — SOFT, wrinkled, YELLOW, fragrant, plant dying back. Toxic: firm GREEN fruit. Only the dead-ripe yellow fruit is food, and only in moderation.

Rule: Green and firm? Poison. Yellow, soft, and fragrant? Food.

Illustration: Ripe vs. unripe mayapple fruit