Asarum canadense, commonly known as Wild Ginger, is a native perennial ground cover found in rich, moist woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and prefers light shade.
This plant features large, heart-shaped leaves that form a dense, low-growing carpet. Hidden beneath the foliage, it produces small, bell-shaped, reddish-brown flowers in early spring, which are pollinated by ground-dwelling insects. While not related to culinary ginger, its roots have a similar scent and were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples as a spice.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asarum canadense is an excellent choice for shaded gardens, offering lush foliage, erosion control, and habitat for pollinators while thriving in woodland settings.
Asarum canadense, commonly known as Wild Ginger, is a native perennial ground cover found in rich, moist woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and prefers light shade.
This plant features large, heart-shaped leaves that form a dense, low-growing carpet. Hidden beneath the foliage, it produces small, bell-shaped, reddish-brown flowers in early spring, which are pollinated by ground-dwelling insects. While not related to culinary ginger, its roots have a similar scent and were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples as a spice.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asarum canadense is an excellent choice for shaded gardens, offering lush foliage, erosion control, and habitat for pollinators while thriving in woodland settings.
Bloom time: mid- to late spring
Habitats: along ravines and slopes; bluffs; slightly dry deciduous woodlands (both floodplain and upland)
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (4 to 12 inches)
Requirements: light shade
Soil: rich loamy soil (some rocky material underneath the soil is tolerated)
