Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger)

Native woodland perennial • Shade groundcover • Living mulch

Asarum canadense, commonly called Wild Ginger, forms elegant heart-shaped leaves and spreads slowly through woodland soil to create a lush, low native groundcover. Its hidden brown-purple flowers attract specialized pollinators close to the forest floor.

Light

• Part shade to full shade
  
  

• Ideal under hardwood canopy
  
  

• Morning sun acceptable
  
  

• Performs best with consistent shade in summer
  
  

 Water

• Prefers evenly moist soil
  
  

• Tolerates short dry spells once established
  
  

• Avoid prolonged drought during warm months
  
  

 Soil

• Rich, organic woodland soil
  
  

• Leaf mold and humus ideal
  
  

• Loam or light clay if amended
  
  

• Avoid compacted, dry soil
  
  

Wild Ginger thrives in natural leaf litter.

 Hardiness

• USDA Zones 2–9
  
  

• Very cold hardy
  
  

• Performs well in southeastern forests
  
  

 Blooming

• Spring (often April)
  
  

• Unusual purple-brown flowers near soil surface
  
  

• Pollinated by ground-level insects
  
  

• Interesting botanically, subtle visually
  
  

 Growth Habit

• Low-growing colony former
  
  

• Slowly spreading rhizomes
  
  

• Heart-shaped leaves 4–6 inches
  
  

• Dense native groundcover over time
  
  

• Ideal “living mulch” under trees
  
  

 Planting Notes

Depth: Plant crown level
Spacing: 8–12 inches
Mulch with shredded leaves yearly

Avoid disturbing established rhizomes, gentle handling only.

 Best Landscape Uses

• Woodland groundcovers
  
  

• Shade gardens
  
  

• Forest understory
  
  

• Moist shade edges
  
  

• Around trees and shrubs
  
  

• Native “living mulch” layer
  
  

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Ferns
  
  

• Bloodroot
  
  

• Trillium
  
  

• Foamflower
  
  

• False Solomon’s Seal
  
  

• Wild Blue Phlox
  
  

Native Value

Provides early spring habitat, ground-level pollen resources, and excellent wildlife cover. Acts as native living mulch that supports forest soil and microhabitats.

⚠ Common Problems

Slow spread

Normal, patience rewarded.

Wilting in heat

Add leaf mulch and shade; short drought recovery is normal.

Sparse colonies

Soil may be too dry or too compacted.