Virginia heartleaf is an evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae), native to Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic states. It occurs in rich hardwood forests, on ravine slopes and near streams. It prefers moist, organic-rich, acidic soil in full shade or partial shade. It thrives where the soil does not dry out, but it does not tolerate long periods of flooding. The leaves are the main ornamental feature of this plant. They are often plain green, but variegated selections are available and more desirable in cultivation. The unusual flowers are usually hidden under the leaves. Virginia heartleaf is not related to culinary ginger and should not be eaten. It is resistant to deer. This diminutive groundcover forms a low mat and adds interest to a woodland garden or shaded rock garden. It is a good choice for a native garden or winter garden. Because it is a small plant, planting it in groups gives it more impact. In a bed or border, it needs to be placed up front, where it will not compete with taller plants. It can be used along trails, in rock gardens, as a low border, and planted around the bases of trees. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for slugs and snails, spider mites and aphids. Root rot can occur in too-wet soils. 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.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | 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 | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Horizontal; Spreading
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green; Variegated; White
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Cordate; Reniform
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
3-inch, heart-shaped stiff leaves appear single, paired or in groups of three and are often mottled with light and dark green
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Urn
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
2-inch, dark purple to crimson bronze-brown flowers from early spring to early summer. They have no petals and consist of a leathery calyx with 3 spreading lobes. They can be hard to see as they are often hidden under the leaves.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Fleshy capsule
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Mid-Atlantic North America
Distribution
NC, WV, VA, SC, TN, KY, MD
Attracts
Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Uses (ethnobotany)
In Cherokee Nation traditions of the plant was taken to aid the digestive system. The roots are traditionally used in a hot infusion to help eliminate mucus from the lungs.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Small Space; Woodland
Landscape theme
Native Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden; Winter Garden