wild ginger

Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum, Aristolochiaceae) is a native evergreen groundcover from western North America (British Columbia to northern California, east to Idaho and Montana), spreading by rhizomes into low, dense mats of heart-shaped aromatic leaves under 1 foot tall. Three-lobed purplish-brown flowers bloom from April to June, typically hidden beneath the foliage and pollinated by flies. Many mats are single clonal plants connected by extensive rhizome networks. Seeds are dispersed by ants.

Wild ginger grows in part shade to full shade with moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 7 to 10. It is deer-tolerant and low-maintenance, suited to native gardens, rock gardens, shade gardens, and woodland settings. The rhizomes and leaves smell similar to culinary ginger but are unrelated; the plant contains aristolochic acid, a nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compound, and should not be consumed. No pest or disease associations are documented. No cultivars are in the profile, though NC State notes 5 selections exist.