Asarum canadense (wild ginger)

Wild ginger is a low, colony-forming perennial that grows only 4–8" high. 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, dense groundcover for shade areas. Each plant bears a pair of large, velvety, heart-shaped flowers. Spring-blooming purple-brown flowers are quite attractive on close inspection, but bloom singly on or near the ground and are usually hidden from view by the foliage. Not related to culinary ginger.

Wild ginger is native to North American woodlands. It attracts butterflies and is a larval host to the pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo by Kathy Thornton

**Note: You will be asked upon checkout to create an account. This is optional and is not required to process payment or to register.**