Wild ginger is a genus of 137 species native to temperate areas of Asia, North America and one species in Europe. It is a member of the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae). The genus name comes from the classical Greek name of a forest plant. These are low-growing evergreen perennials that spread by rhizomes. They prefer moist, well-drained, fertile soil in shady locations. Divide as needed or start from seeds. Wild gingers have pairs of heart-shaped leaves that arise from the underground rhizome and unusual jug-, urn- or bell-shaped brownish to purplish flowers that are often hidden under the foliage in spring. They are pollinated by flies. These plants are not related to ginger, although the rhizomes and leaves smell and taste similar to ginger. It is not recommended to eat these plants due to their nephrotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Use these plants as ground covers in shade, rock, native, winter and woodland gardens. They can also be grown in a container. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs and snails can damage foliage. Rust can sometimes cause issues. Additional Asarum Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Horizontal; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen; Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Cream/Tan; Gray/Silver; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Cordate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Fragrant
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Paired, heart-shaped leaves with various forms of variegation grow from the underground rhizome..
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Purple/Lavender
Flower shape
Funnel; Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Eearly spring purplish-brown, hairy, jug-like flowers appear at the leaf axis and are hidden under the leaves.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
In late spring, a dry capsule with seeds forms that resembles the flower.
Stem detail
Stems are fleshy underground creeping rhizomes
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Northern Hemisphere
Distribution
Northern Hemisphere
Attracts
Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Spring
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Naturalized Area; Patio; Small Space; Woodland
Landscape theme
Native Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden; Winter Garden