Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Best known for its use as an attractive, low-growing ground cover in a shaded woodland setting, Wild Ginger is also deer-resistant. It enjoys shaded, moist, somewhat acidic soils and will grow 6" in height and the large heart-shaped leaves can be 6" in diameter. The leaves are shiny when fully opened and the stems are hairy. Unlike many early spring woodland plants, Wild Ginger will keep its foliage throughout the season; it will not go dormant so it is a good species to plant among the spring ephemerals that do go dormant. An attractive dark red flower will appear under the plant early spring but will fade fairly quickly.
Sun Exposure - Shade
Soil Moisture - Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Height - 6 inches
Bloom Time - April, May, June
Bloom Color - Red
Photo courtesy of Prairie Moon.
