Wild Ginger Asarum arifolium
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Wild Ginger:
Previously known as:
- A. grandiflorum
- Hexastylis arifolia
- Phonetic Spelling
- 12526361493
- Description
-
Native to the southeastern US, Heart-leaf Ginger is an evergreen perennial in the Aristolochiaceae family that can be found growing in dry woodland settings. In your garden, plant along a shady edge. Dappled shade is an ideal setting for this plant, it does not do well in deep shade. When conditions are right, it will self sow. Don't allow the plant to dry out in between watering.
The foliage is evergreen and when exposed to cold weather, they may take on a purple hue.
Heart-leaf ginger is clump-forming. Its jug-shaped flowers are hidden under the speckled leaves.
The aromatic roots have an aroma similar to a mixture of pepper and ginger.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Snails and slugs are occasional visitors. Although not considered to be toxic, the foliage of other members of this genus is reported to be toxic. Caution should be used.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Green Valentine'
Green foliage with lighter green markings.
- 'Green Valentine'
- 'Green Valentine'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Green Valentine'
Green foliage with lighter green markings.
- 'Green Valentine'
- 'Green Valentine'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Asarum
- Species:
- arifolium
- Family:
- Aristolochiaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Groundcover
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern United States
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollination is done by ants and flies.
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Shade
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Horizontal
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from May to July
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The jug shaped flowers bloom from March to June. They grow at the base of the plant and are hidden by the leaves.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Evergreen leaves are heart shaped deep blue-green with entire margins and a silvery pattering.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Rabbits
