A deciduous ground cover with soft green, kidney-shaped leaves and inconspicuous green-brown flowers in the spring. Forms large colonies in cool moist woodland areas. Pollinated by flies and fungus gnats. Ants help disperse the seeds.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
4 to
inches
Spread:
12 to
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Excellent ground cover in partial to full shade and beneath trees where other plants won't grow. Too aggressive for a mixed shade border.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in partial to full shade in moderate/average to moist soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.