Description

Asarum – Heterotropa – Hexastylis – Wild Ginger

There are over 70 species of deciduous and evergreen rapidly growing, low rhizomatous perennials, in this genus.  They are found in woodlands in Europe, Eastern Asia, and North America.  They produce large, usually glossy, sometimes marbled leaves. Under the leaves kidney or heart shaped dull brownish or purplish flowers that open at the mouth into 3 sharply arched or bent sharply back sepals.  The rhizomes are aromatic somewhat like ginger.  They’re better known for their traditional medicine.  A great plant to use as a groundcover or in a woodland garden.

Grow in partial to full shade in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained, preferably neutral to acidic soil.  Divide in early spring every few years.

Prone to slugs and snails, leaf gulls, and rust.

Asarum candense – Canadian Wild Ginger – Canadian Snakeroot – This deciduous tufted mat forming perennial from New Brunswick to North Carolina grows 8” tall and spreads to 6” wide.  It produces heart shaped leaves to 2-4” long and are carried on softly haired leaf stalks 6-12” long.  In spring, under the leafs it bears bell shaped brownish purple flowers 1” across.  White settlers used the rhizomes medicinally.

Zones 3-8