Heart-leaf ginger is an evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae) native to the southeastern United States that can be found growing in dry woodland settings. The species epithet is Latin, meaning “leaves like Arum ” [an unrelated genus in the arum family, Araceae]. The plant creeps along by underground stems and grows up to 8 inches tall. It prefers dappled shade to partial shade, but not full shade, in moist, well-drained soil that is not allowed to dry out. Propagate by seed or division. When conditions are right, it will self-sow. The leaves grow directly from the underground stems and are arrow-shaped, green or variegated and up to 8 inches long. The unusual flowers lie along the ground from leaf axils and are jug-shaped and brownish to reddish. The leaves and stems have a slight ginger or peppery smell. Although not reported in the literature to be toxic, the foliage of other members of this genus is toxic. Do not consume any parts of this plant. Use as a groundcover in a native or shade garden. It is also good in a shady rock garden, cottage garden or a pollinator garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Snails and slugs are occasional visitors. More information on Asarum .
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.