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Asarum canadense
Asarum canadense L.
Canadian Wild Ginger, Wild Ginger
Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)
Synonym(s): Asarum acuminatum, Asarum canadense var. acuminatum, Asarum canadense var. ambiguum, Asarum canadense var. reflexum, Asarum reflexum, Asarum rubrocinctum
USDA Symbol: ASCA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
This low, colony-forming perennial grows only 4-8 in. high. Each plant bears a pair of large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Growing at ground level in the crotch between 2 leafstalks is a single darkish red-brown to green-brown flower. The solitary flower is at ground level, hidden below the leaves. A similar plant with greenish-purple flowers, Hexastylis arifolia, has more triangular, evergreen leaf blades.
The fleshy rootstock, which has a strong, gingery flavor, can create a crowded network on the woodland floor, resulting in a dense ground cover of Wild ginger.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Cordate
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acute
Leaf Base: Cordate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Leaf: Medium green
Flower: Flowers apetalous. Stamens 12. Ovary inferior
Fruit: Brown
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Green , Purple , BrownBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: MB , NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Que. & N.B. to Ont. & MN, s. to FL & LA. Eastern North America, Zones 3 to 7
Native Habitat: Woodlands
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8) , Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils. pH of 6 to 7 best.
Conditions Comments: Doesn't grow in the high summer heat of Zone 8.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Good, low groundcover for Eastern woodlands and shaded landscapes.Use Food: The root of this spring flower has a strong ginger-like odor and, when cooked with sugar, can be used as a substitute for ginger. (Niering)
Warning: Touching this plant can cause skin irritation in some people.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly.
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds , Softwood CuttingsDescription: Summer cuttings and fall root division best. Slow from seed.
Seed Collection: Seeds ripen 4-6 weeks after the first flowers appear. The fruiting structure is essentially unchanged from that of the flowers. The grayish seeds are in the lower portion. Germination is reduced if the seeds are stored.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: A mulch of leaves in spring and fall is beneficial.
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National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | UPL | FACU | FACU | FACU | UPL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Asarum canadense in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Asarum canadense in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asarum canadense
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-08-06Research By: TWC Staff