Virginia Ginger Asarum virginicum
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Asarum grandiflorum
- Asarum memmingeri
- Asarum virginianum
- Heterotropa virginica
- Hexastylis virginica
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-SAIR-um ver-JIN-ih-kum
- Description
-
Little Brown Jugs is a native herbaceous perennial in the Birthwort family. It occurs in rich hardwood forests, on ravine slopes, and along streams. It is an evergreen perennial with a slender creeping rhizome. It prefers moist, organic-rich, acidic soil in full or partial shade. The mottled leaves are the main ornamental feature of this plant. The unusual flowers are usually hidden under the leaves.
This diminutive groundcover forms a low mat and adds interest to a woodland garden, or shaded rock garden. Because it is a small plant, planting it in groups gives it more impact. In a bed or border, it needs to be placed up front where it will not compete with taller plants. It can be used along trails, in rock gardens, as a low border, and planted around the bases of trees.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Asarum
- Species:
- virginicum
- Family:
- Aristolochiaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- In Cherokee Nation traditions of the plant was taken to aid the digestive system. The roots are traditionally used in a hot infusion to help eliminate mucus from the lungs.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern North America
- Distribution:
- NC, WV, Va, SC, Tenn., FL, KY
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Native Plant
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Horizontal
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Fleshy capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Urn
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 2-in., dark purple to crimson bronze-brown flowers from early spring to early summer. They have no petals and consist of a leathery calyx with 3 spreading lobes. They can be hard to see as they are often hidden under the leaves.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 3-inch, heart-shaped stiff leaves appear single, paired or in groups of three and are often mottled with light and dark green
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Small Space
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
