Asarum canadense Linnaeus. Common name: Common Wild Ginger. Phenology: Apr-May. Habitat: Rich deciduous forests in circumneutral soils. Distribution: NB and QC west to MN, south to NC and AL.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: Taxa recognized at varietal or specific level in the past have recently often been ignored, but have merit and deserve further attention.
Synonymy ⓘ: = POWO, S; < Asarum canadense L. — Can, FNA3, GrPl, K4, Mi, NE, NS, Pa, RAB, Tn, Va, W; > Asarum canadense L. var. ambiguum (E.P.Bicknell) Farw. — F, Il; < Asarum canadense L. var. canadense — C, G, Tat; > Asarum canadense L. var. canadense — F, Il. Basionym: Asarum canadense L. 1753
Links to other floras: < Asarum canadense - FNA3
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: UPL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Great Plains: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Midwest: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Northcentral & Northeast: UPL (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
Heliophily ⓘ: 1
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© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷
© Alan M. Cressler | Original Image ⭷
© Rob Gardner | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
Intro: Rhizomatous, creeping, stemless perennial of rich deciduous forests, usually on circumneutral soils.
Stems:
Leaves: Leaves paired and on long furry petioles, heart-shaped with deeply notched base, 2-6 in. long, thin-textured, downy-hairy.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Flower solitary, borne on a hairy, stout stalk emerging from the base of the leaf petioles; maroon-brown-green, consisting of a fleshy tube with hairy inner surface and 3 flaring triangular-pointed lobes. Flower is usually hidden beneath leaves in the leaf litter
Fruits: Fruit a fleshy capsule crowned by the persistent calyx.
Comments: Leaves and stems have a ginger-like aroma when torn or crushed.
Height: 2-8 in.
plant sale text: Wild ginger is an excellent spreading groundcover. The newly emerging deciduous leaves in early spring are a welcome change in the landscape. The small bell-shaped maroon flowers are at ground level, under the leaves. Wide heart-shaped leaves are attractive throughout the growing season. Easy to grow, and works well interplanted with other woodland species. The Cherokee Indians had many medicinal uses for this native plant. When the root is cooked with sugar, it can be used as a substitute for ginger.
bloom table text:
description: Rhizomatous, creeping, stemless perennial of rich deciduous forests, usually on circumneutral soils.
stems:
leaves: Leaves paired and on long furry petioles, heart-shaped with deeply notched base, 2-6 in. long, thin-textured, downy-hairy.
inflorescence:
flowers: Flower solitary, borne on a hairy, stout stalk emerging from the base of the leaf petioles; maroon-brown-green, consisting of a fleshy tube with hairy inner surface and 3 flaring triangular-pointed lobes. Flower is usually hidden beneath leaves in the leaf litter
fruits: Fruit a fleshy capsule crowned by the persistent calyx.
comments: Leaves and stems have a ginger-like aroma when torn or crushed.
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range: eastern North America
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