WSU Clark County Extension
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Wild Ginger

Scientific name: Asarum caudatum
Taxonomy
Family:Aristolochiaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 6
Sun:Partial shade to full shade
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Brown
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Though Wild Ginger is not the ginger used in cooking, it does have a root system with a mild ginger scent.

  Morphology:
This Northwest native sports two downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, handsomely veined, dark green, basal leaves which can grow to 6” wide.

Blooms appear from April through May. These consist of cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers (1" wide) set on short, ground-level stems arising from the crotch between the two basal leaves.

  Adaptation:
This species prefers constantly moist, acidic soils in heavy shade. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover for shaded areas.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234