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Watkins, Mariann
Asarum canadense L.
Canadian wild ginger, Canadian wildginger
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.
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
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?
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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.
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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
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
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