Asarum canadense (Canada Wild Ginger)
Tough and undemanding, Asarum canadense (Canada Wild Ginger) is a deciduous rhizomatous perennial boasting downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, matte dark green leaves, 6 in. wide (15 cm).
Tough and undemanding, Asarum canadense (Canada Wild Ginger) is a deciduous rhizomatous perennial boasting downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, matte dark green leaves, 6 in. wide (15 cm). In spring, attractive, ground-hugging, purplish-brown cup-shaped flowers, 1 in. wide (2 cm), are produced on short stems but usually hidden from view by the foliage. Vigorous, this plant spreads by creeping rhizomes to form large colonies within a few years. A terrific groundcover for shady areas, this woodland native is deer resistant.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in average, neutral to acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
- Canada Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens and is perfect for underplanting shrubs or edging.
- Virtually pest and disease free but keep an eye out for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
- Clumps may be divided in the spring or early autumn
- Native from Manitoba to North Carolina.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 6 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asarum – Wild Gingers |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 18″ (30cm – 45cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |