Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) is a groundcover plant with a non-showy red flower in spring. They prefer moist to dry soil in part sun to shade where they grow less than 1 foot tall. Colonies typically form as the plants mature, which makes them a good choice for groundcovers on shaded banks and slopes. Companion plants include Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) and Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia).

Maintenance

Wild Ginger is attractive to snails and slugs. If foliage damage is occurring during the growing season, hand-pick them from the plant. Wild Ginger can be divided in early spring.

About

Light Requirements
Part Sun, Shade
Moisture Requirements
Banks, Slopes
Soil Requirements
Clay, Loam
Height
Very Short
Spacing
1 foot
Category
Groundcover
Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes
Bloom Time
April, May
Bloom Color
Red
Seasonality
Fall, Spring, Summer
Sociability
Groups of 10-20