Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

Aristolochiaceae - Dutchman's Pipe Family

▲ ▼ Young, mature plants

▲ Flower (center, at base of leaves, with three dark-red petals)

Asarum canadense: Canada Wild Ginger, Wild Ginger

Location on or near campus: not known

• herbaceous, ground-hugging plant with rhizomes that send up kidney-shaped or heart-shaped, semi-glossy green leaves along their length; leaves and petioles are pubescent
• grows 4-10" tall, spreading by rhizomes
• has dark maroon, 3-petalled flowers in early spring
• prefers full shade
• needs moist, well-drained soil and prefers high organic matter levels
• slow to medium growth rate (spread)
• dried leaves were used as ginger spice substitute
• native to Missouri
• European Ginger: Asarum europaeum:
  • Has very glossy green leaves
  • Similar growth habit, growth requirements as Canada Wild Ginger, but not as heat tolerant