Wild Ginger Asarum
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Wild Ginger:
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-SAR-um
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Wild ginger is a genus of 137 species native to temperate areas of Asia, North America and one species in Europe. It is a member of the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae). The genus name comes from the classical Greek name of a forest plant.
These are low-growing evergreen perennials that spread by rhizomes. They prefer moist, well-drained, fertile soil in shady locations. Divide as needed or start from seeds.
Wild gingers have pairs of heart-shaped leaves that arise from the underground rhizome and unusual jug-, urn- or bell-shaped brownish to purplish flowers that are often hidden under the foliage in spring. They are pollinated by flies. These plants are not related to ginger, although the rhizomes and leaves smell and taste similar to ginger. It is not recommended to eat these plants due to their nephrotoxic and carcinogenic properties.
Use these plants as ground covers in shade, rock, native, winter and woodland gardens. They can also be grown in a container.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs and snails can damage foliage. Rust can sometimes cause issues.
Additional Asarum Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Native Woodland Garden, Durham Juniper Level Botanic Garden: Part Sun-Part Shade Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Asarum arifolium, Asarum canadense, Asarum minus, Asarum splendens, Asarum virginicum
- Tags:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Asarum arifolium, Asarum canadense, Asarum minus, Asarum splendens, Asarum virginicum
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Asarum
- Family:
- Aristolochiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Northern Hemisphere
- Distribution:
- Northern Hemisphere
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Horizontal
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- 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:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Spring
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- In late spring, a dry capsule with seeds forms that resembles the flower.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Eearly spring purplish-brown, hairy, jug-like flowers appear at the leaf axis and are hidden under the leaves.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gray/Silver
- Variegated
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Paired, heart-shaped leaves with various forms of variegation grow from the underground rhizome..
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are fleshy underground creeping rhizomes
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
