Podophyllum versipelle subsp. boreale [ex CPC# (syn. mairiei)]

We remain a bit confused on this one and maybe we can blame it on overwork but mostly there is still no universal consensus on taxonomy in the genus. We originally offered this as P. versipelle subsp. boreale and then Aaron Floden told us that Julian Shaw's recent work had reclassified this into P. mairiei so we dutifully changed the name. Eventually, Darrell Probst saw this and wondered what we were doing as he collected the original seed from the type locality for versipelle subsp. boreale. These botanical dust-ups while fun to observe can be frustrating in getting a broadly accepted name so we're going back with our buddy Darrell on the name and leaving our original amended description below for when we had it listed as P. mairiei. These are second generation seedlings from a superb collection by Darrell Probst from China which is notable for having over 20 small maroon-mahogany flowers clustered just under the leaf blade. If you have a choice, more flowers makes it easy! This is a striking addition to the shade garden and a moist rich soil will make this very happy which has a direct positive influence on you. We have previously offered this as P. versipelle but thanks to Aaron Floden for correctly identifying this as it is a much rarer species! We're pretty sure you won't find this too many other places. We always liked it but now we like it even more!