Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Aristolochiaceae - Dutchman's Pipe Family
▲▼ Young, mature plants
▲ Flower (center, at base of leaves, with three dark-red petals)
Asarum canadense: Canada Wild Ginger, Wild Ginger
Location on or near campus: not known
* herbaceous, ground-hugging plant with rhizomes that send up kidney-shaped or heart-shaped, semi-glossy green leaves along their length; leaves and petioles are pubescent
* grows 4-10” tall, spreading by rhizomes
* has dark maroon, 3-petalled flowers in early spring
* prefers full shade
· needs moist, well-drained soil and prefers high organic matter levels
* slow to medium growth rate (spread)
* dried leaves were used as ginger spice substitute
* native to Missouri
* European Ginger: Asarum europaeum:
* Has very glossy green leaves
* Similar growth habit, growth requirements as Canada Wild Ginger, but not as heat tolerant