Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Image: Missouri Botanical Garden
 
Overview: Asarum canadense or the Wild Ginger is a deciduous spring ephemeral featuring two heart-shaped, veined, dark green basal leaves (6'' wide). Purplish-brown, three lobed flowers, about 1'' wide will start to bloom in the spring between the basal leaves, often hidden by the foliage. It spreads slowly by rhizomes. Wild Gingers are not related to gingers used in culinary, but were used as a ginger substitute by early Americans and its roots has a similar fragrant to that of a ginger. This plant tolerates with deer, heavy shade, erosion, and wet soil.
 
Care: Grow in moist but well-drained soils, either in partial shade or full shade. For best results, plant in acidic and consistent moist soils and in heavy shade. Sandy or light soils can also work. This can be planted with a few other companion plants such as the Lady Fern and Foamflower.
 
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