Wild ginger Interesting Notes

This deciduous perennial groundcover has unique velvety green, heart-shaped leaves and is a great addition to the spring woodland garden. Asarum canadense requires partial shade to full shade. It prefers moist, well-drained, acid soils, but is tolerant of some drought. Asarum canadense grows slowly but naturalizes nicely in the garden, becoming virtually maintenance free. Wild ginger’s distinctive bell-shaped maroon to brown flowers are hidden underneath the 6” tall foliage at the base of the plant. Wild ginger makes a good companion with Fothergilla gardenii, Uvularia sessilifolia, Jeffersonia diphylla, Maianthemum stellatum, Polystichum acrostichoides, Pachysandra procumbens and other woodland wildflowers. - Mt. Cuba Center

The roots produce a scent reminiscent of culinary ginger, though the plants are not related.