Native Plant Database

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Watkins, Mariann

Asarum canadense L.

Canadian wild ginger, Canadian wildginger

Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)

Synonyms: Asarum acuminatum

USDA Symbol: ASCA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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 southern species with greenish-purple flowers (A. arifolium) has more triangular, evergreen leaf blades.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Leaf Shape: Cordate
Leaf Apex: Acute
Leaf Base: Cordate
Fruit Type: Capsule
Petals: Apetalous.
Stamens: Stamens 12.
Pistil: Ovary inferior, 6-locular. Placentation axile.
Fruit Color: Brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Green , Purple , Brown
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: MB , NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Que. & N.B. to Ont. & MN, s. to FL & LA
Native Habitat: Woodland
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: The fleshy rootstock, which has a strong, gingery flavor, can create a crowded network on the woods floor, resulting in a dense ground cover of wild ginger. A mulch of leaves in spring and fall is beneficial.

Propagation

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.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Aegopodium podagraria (bishop's goutweed)
   Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard)
   Lysimachia nummularia (creeping jenny)

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I am gradually trying to convert my garden to all natives. I am working in a shaded area under a maple tree. Are there any varieties of epimediums/barrenwort or hellebores that are native to the northeast US?
click here to view the full question and answer

Question: Have pine trees in front of house. No luck with the lawn around them....was told it's because of ground acidity. Any tips on how to get a lawn to grow there? If not, can you suggest some ground cover that would grow there and look good without needing to be mowed often ? Thank you.
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV

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
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Asarum canadense in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Asarum canadense in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asarum canadense

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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