Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
(Easy — rhizomes are shallow, resilient, and respond well to division)

Best Time for Division:

Early fall — typically September to October, after summer heat subsides
Alternative: Early spring, just as new leaves emerge

Signs Plant is Ready:

• Large patches or dense clumps with overlapping foliage

• Rhizomes visible just beneath the surface, often with small fibrous roots

• Leaf edges may begin to brown or decline, indicating seasonal slowdown

Tip: Mark patches during summer to easily locate in fall when growth fades.

Division Steps:

1. Gently dig up a section of the colony — start from the edge to avoid disrupting the center

2. Shake off soil and locate rhizome segments — thick, light-colored, creeping stems

3. Cut rhizomes into 2–4 inch pieces, each with at least one bud or leaf node

4. Replant segments just below the soil surface, 6–8 inches apart

5. Water in well and apply leaf litter or mulch to retain moisture

Note: Rhizomes root quickly in moist, shaded conditions — expect modest spread by the next season.