Asarum canadense
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Tried and True Recommended by 8 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: wild ginger
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Zone: 4 to 6
Native Range: Manitoba to North Carolina
Garden Location: Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders, Ameren Ground Cover Border, Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 0.5 to 1 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Brown, Purple
Bloom Description: Purplish brown
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Tolerates: Wet Soil, Dense Shade, Deer
Uses: Groundcover, Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil, in part shade to full shade. Prefers constantly moist, acidic soils in heavy shade. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover for shade areas.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Wild ginger is a Missouri native spring wildflower which occurs in rich woods and wooded slopes throughout the State. Basically a stemless plant which features two downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, handsomely veined, dark green, basal leaves (to 6" wide). Cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers (1" wide) appear in spring on short, ground-level stems arising from the crotch between the two basal leaves. Flowers are quite attractive on close inspection, but bloom singly on or near the ground and are usually hidden from view by the foliage. Although not related to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale), the roots of this plant produce a scent that is reminiscent thereof. Fresh or dried roots were used by early Americans as a ginger substitute, but the plant is not normally used today for culinary purposes.

Plant of Merit

Native to rich, moist, shady woodland areas in eastern North America, this stemless wild ginger rises to only 4-6 inches tall but spreads indefinitely by rhizomes to form dense carpets of downy, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. Tiny, urn-shaped, ground-hugging, maroon-brown flowers bloom in April and May, but are hidden by the foliage. Although this perennial is not the commercially-marketed culinary ginger, its roots produce a ginger-like taste and aroma when cut or bruised. This is a vigorous and easily-grown ground cover for part to full shade areas.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails can be occasional problems.

Garden Uses

Usually grown as a ground cover in shady areas. Woodland gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Also may be used for edging.

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