Although it is widely found across the United States Asarum canadense is often referred to as the Canadian Wild Ginger amongst other names. It is a perennial but is not related to the ginger family.
Although regarded as edible in some traditional recipes it does contain toxins and should not be eaten
A woodland plant, this is another low growing species to .1m, excellent as a ground cover plant and also known as ‘snakeroot’. This is a deciduous species that has heart shaped foliage.
Leaves are a mid green and covered with fine hairs which give them a velvety texture. The roots (underground rhizomes) are fleshy and spread slowly to create a carpet in a woodland area.
Like many Asarum species flowers of Asarum canadense are held under the foliage and are not generally a feature, this is used as a ground cover plant, low maintenance and tolerant of damp areas. Best suited to part shade to full shade.
Care
This is a woodland plant that requires dappled to heavy shade and a humus rich moist fertile soil. Best suited to temerate to cooler climates.
Summary
- Best grown in dappled shade to part shade this is a plant that can take fairly deep shade
- Requires good moisture
- Is deciduous and can be grown with ferns to create year round interest
- Slow to establish, after 2-3 years seems to spread well
- Spreads by underground runners and by self seeding and will form a dense cover.
- Flowers in spring, however flowers are hidden beneath the foliage and although rather pretty are not often seen.
- The name ‘wild ginger’ refers to the smell of the root
Asarum Varieties
- Asarum canadense
- Asarum caudatum
- Asarum europeaum
- Asarum maximum ‘Green Panda’
- Asarum maximum ‘Ling Ling’
- Asarum naniflorum
- Asarum shuttleworthii
- Asarum splendens
- Asarum takaoi
Propagation
Easy by division of established clumps. Also can be grown from seed.
Summary
Excellent ground cover plant for a shaded position
