Asarum canadense Wild Ginger

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Asarum canadense visit the USDSA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
A close up view of burgundy Wild Ginger Flower.
The inconspicuous flowers of Wild Ginger can be found hiding under the green glossy leaves
Young Asarum canadense bright green leaves unfolding in the spring.
Watch closely in the early spring and you will notice young Wild Ginger leaves unfolding


Cultivation Information Wild Ginger

Height - 6 - 8 inchFlower Color - Maroon, small flower without petals are hidden under leaves Blooms - April - JuneHardy Zone - 3 - 8 Soil - Moist/rich and loose 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!
Plant/Seed Provenance Wild Ginger
Root Stock - Hickory Farms - 2011 Mosinee, WI - Seed - Nodding Onion Gardens 2012 - present
Wild Ginger leaves are heart shaped like violets but they are shinier and thicker.
The shape of the leaves on Wild Ginger make it easy to identify

Wildlife Significance Asarum canadense


Host Plant - For Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillarsPollinated - By flies and beetlesSeed Dispersal - Is a job for ants!White Tailed Deer - Aren't fond of ginger. It seems if they are hungry enough they will eat anything.
For more details on this plant visit the Illinois Wildflower website
Thisk dense green patch of Asarum canadense growing in the deep shade near a stream.
While hiking, in Mohican State Park, Ohio we discovered this patch of Asarum canadense growing in the cool shade next to a small stream.

Propagation Notes Wild Ginger

Seedlings - It is best not to disturb Wild Ginger plants in the spring, as small seedlings will begin to form under the mother leaves. You can either leave the young shoots protected, or carefully transplant them. Both methods work well. Of course transplanting if more work but in my opinion more fun!
Dividing your Patch - We allow our Asarum canadense patches to mature (1 to 1 1/2 feet) before dividing in the fall. I have successfully moved Wild Ginger in the spring however at the expense of developing flowers.