We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.

I accept.

SPECIES > Forbs > Asarum canadense

Return to search results

Prev Next

Wild Ginger

( Asarum canadense )

Common Name(s)

Wild Ginger
Canada Wild Ginger
Canadian Wildginger
Canada Snakeroot

Family

Aristolochiaceae

Genus

Asarum

Full Scientific Name

Asarum canadense

Author

Linnaeus

Native Range

MB, NB, ON, QC

Introduced Range

Synonyms

Asarum acuminatum
Asarum canadense var. acuminatum
Asarum canadense var. ambiguum
Asarum var. reflexum
Asarum reflexum
Asarum rubrocinctum

Additional Details

Characteristics

Growth Form:
Wildflower

Evergreen or Deciduous:
Deciduous

Light Requirements:
Partial Shade, Shade

Soil Texture:
Humus Enriched

Soil pH:
Calciphile

Moisture Requirements:
Moist

Drought Tolerant:
No

Compaction Tolerant:
No

Salt Tolerant:
No

Juglone (Walnut) Tolerant:
No

Habitat Considerations

Ecozone(s):
Boreal Shield, Atlantic Maritime, Mixedwood Plains

Natural Habitat(s):
Forest, Woodland

Human Habitat(s):
Woodland

Design Considerations

Minimum Height:
15 cm

Maximum Height:
30 cm

Bloom Time:
May - Jun

Flower Colour(s):
Purple|Green/Brown

Showy Flowers:
No

Showy Fruit/Seeds:
No

Fruit/Seed Colour(s):
Brown

Erosion Control:

Fragrant Flowers:
No

Fragrant Foliage:
No

Fall Colour(s):
No

Bark:
No

Poisonous to Humans:
No

Thorns or Prickles:
No

Attracts Wildlife:
Butterflies

Invasive Species:
No

Conservation Status

Plant Watch Species:

NatureServe Level:

IUCN Red Alert Status:

Interesting Tidbits

Interesting Tidbits:
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) This plant is easily spotted in woodland with its heart-shaped velvety leaves and its singular purple/brown flower. Its parts were used by many aboriginal peoples for its medicinal properties and for flavoring their food. The pipeline swallowtail butterfly feeds on it. This plant most easily spreads via rhizomes. (USDAPlants Database) Traditional Edible, Medicinal Uses: The leaves are poisonous and touching them can cause skin reactions in some. (Plants for a Future) Garden Uses: This is a woodland evergreen groundcover that grows from 6 to 12 inches. It has hairy leaves, heartshaped and thick. The large leaves provides the perfect leafy alternative to hostas (which often get eaten by slugs, wild ginger rarely does). The flowers are very unique maroon colour, that lie on the ground unseen (Evergreen)

CanPlant assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the database. While most entries are accurate, errors may occur. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any errors in the information or for any adverse effects relating to the use of the plants or the information. If you notice a problem with the information, please let us know by sending an email so we can correct it.

MY ACCOUNT

MY LISTS

MANAGED BY: