Ohio Native Plant Natural Range
To view the natural range of Asarum canadense visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
The inconspicuous flowers of Wild Ginger, known as
Little Brown Jugs, can be found hiding under the green, glossy leaves.
Cultivation Information Wild Ginger
Height - 6 - 8 inchFlower Color - Maroon, Blooms - April - June
Soil - Moist, lots of organic material, best to leave some of the leaves in the fall.Hardy Zone - 3 - 7
Perennial
Small flowers - without petals are hidden under leaves
Ground Cover - Wonderful woodland groundcover
Organic Material - Wild Ginger does best with a layer of leaf humus/organic material
Family – AritolochiaceaeSpace – 10 to 12 inches apart
Over the Years – We noticed that patience combine with a nice thick layer of leaf humus will ensure that your Wild Ginger patch expands and thrives!
Family – AritolochiaceaeSpace – 10 to 12 inches apart
Over the Years – We noticed that patience combine with a nice thick layer of leaf humus will ensure that your Wild Ginger patch expands and thrives!
Historical Herbal Remedies Culinary Ginger
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*Information in the following paragraphs is strictly provided for educational purposes only. Nodding Onion Gardens is not qualified or certified to make any herbal recommendations. We are merely fascinated by how closely knit relationships held between pollinators, birds, wildlife, plants and people truly are!
Culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale) is held in high esteem for both its warm, robust, peppery taste as well as medicinal properties. It is not to be confused with Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), the two plants are not related. Zingiber officinale is in the Zingiberaceae family along with Turmeric (Curcuma longa ) and Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum,) coincidently these are three of my favorite spices. Asarum canadense is in the Aristolochiaceae family. Culinary ginger, readily available in grocery stores, is used to treat motion sickness, relieve symptoms of colds and flu; it also has anti-inflammatory attributes. What is not to love about a hot cup of Chai tea? Native American Ethnology website records indicate Indigenous people utilized Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) for medical purposes. However, it contains the chemical Aristolochic acid which is considered nephrotoxic (meaning it damages the kidney in a high enough dose).
If you are interested in learning more about wild edible plants please contact an expert in the field. I have taken and enjoyed classes from both Alison McKim - Lorain County Community College, adjunct professor and Danielle Dejak owner of Caylx Herbaliam. Both are in the Cleveland, Ohio area. There is also a group of folks who host an event called Ohio Wild Food Fest. Details for 2025 are currently not posted. I have not attended this event but it sure sounds like fun!