Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger)

Asarum canadense, commonly called wild ginger or Canadian wild ginger, is a low-growing groundcover plant that is capable of forming large colonies by way of its thick, rhizomatic roots. Although unrelated to true gingers (Genus: Zingiber), wild ginger roots have a mild, gingery aroma and have been used as a ginger substitute since the early colonial era, though their use has fallen off in recent years.

Wild ginger typically grows to less than a foot tall with wide, deeply-lobed, round to heart-shaped leaves. From April to June, Asarum canadense produces small purple to brown flowers at the joining point of two leaves near ground level. Performing best in partial to full shade, wild ginger is tolerant of deer and rabbit browsing, heavy wet soils, and can help to mitigate erosion. With large, dark green leaves and colonial habits, wild ginger is an excellent native ornamental for shaded beds, woodland gardens, and for underplanting in a variety of locations.