Common Name: wild ginger
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Purplish brown
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Naturalize
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Fragrant
Tolerate: Deer, Heavy Shade
Culture
Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil, in part shade to full shade. Prefers constantly moist, acidic soils in heavy shade. Not reliably winter hardy in the St. Louis area, so if grown here, it should be placed in a protected location and mulched in winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asarum shuttleworthii, commonly known as mottled wild ginger, is native to moist woodlands in the Appalachian Mountains (Virginia to Georgia) and features evergreen (in mild winters), rounded to heart-shaped (4" long), aromatic leaves which are usually mottled with silvery gray markings. Vase-shaped, 2" long, purplish brown flowers with reddish purple spots inside appear in spring. Flowers are quite attractive on close inspection, but bloom singly on or near the ground and are usually hidden from view by the foliage. Rhizomatous plant that is very slow spreading. Although not related to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale), the roots and leaves of this plant produce a scent that is reminiscent thereof. This plant has in the past been used as a ginger substitute, but it is not normally used for culinary purposes at this time.
Genus name comes from the Latin and Greek name.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails can be occasional problems.
Uses
Usually grown as a ground cover for shady areas. Also may be used for edging.