Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger, also known as Asarum canadense, is a native understory perennial and is part of the American Beauties Native Plant program. This attractive perennial features large, heart-shaped, slightly fuzzy leaves that are deeply indented at the base. Wild Ginger is naturally found on woodland ridges, forming a colony of shallow underground rhizomatic roots in moist well-draining soils. This native beauty fills in an area very well while it chokes out weeds and non-desirable, invasive plants. 

Wild Ginger grows in Hardiness Zones 2-8, forming a colony of ground-hugging, mounded clumps that reach 8-10 inches high and wide. If you look closely, Wild Ginger forms single, 3/4”, dark reddish-brown flowers hidden below the leaves. It blooms between April and May and is pollinated by ground-dwelling insects such as ants and beetles. Wild Geranium attracts butterflies and is the larval host for the Pipevine Swallowtail. The roots were widely used by Indigenous Americans for a variety of medicinal uses. 

Wild Ginger Care

Wild Ginger thrives naturally in the understory of deciduous forests. This native beauty thrives in shade gardens planted in moist, well-draining, humus-rich soils with a pH between 6-7. Spring is the best time to divide plants. Cut and lift the thick rhizomes and transplant them to a location that has similar growing conditions. 

Propagate Wild Ginger by root division in the fall; the roots take easily in moist, rich soil. Apply a thick layer of shredded leaves as a natural mulch in spring and fall. Use caution when ingesting or using Wild Ginger as an herbal medicine as it contains Aristolochic acid, which can lead to serious illness.

Wild Ginger Spacing

Wild Ginger forms a dense mat of uniquely cupped, heart-shaped foliage that will deter aggressive invasive plants and weeds from taking over an area. Plant them 12 to 24 inches apart in groups to form a solid groundcover in a few years. 

Wild Ginger Information