Wild ginger, or Asarum canadense, is indigenous to the United States and Canada. Numerous traditional Native American therapeutic uses exist for this plant. In Maine, wild ginger is classified as an endangered species because it is no longer as common as it once was.
This wild shrub can withstand occasional dry spells but prefers shade and damp soil. Wild ginger is a great ground cover and is resistant to rabbits and deer.
The plants can grow up to 6" across heart-shaped leaves, and they have a compact clumping habit. The three leaves or petals on the cup-shaped flowers give them a beautiful scarlet color.
The blossoms will attract butterflies, and wild ginger serves as a host plant for Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies. Although they differ from zingiber officinale, the culinary ginger, the roots of Asarum Canadense do have a similar gingery fragrance.
Name: Wild Ginger
Other Common Names: Canadian Ginger / Indian Ginger / Vermont Snakeroot / Heart Snakeroot / Southern Snakeroot / Black Snakeroot / Colt's Foot / Coltsfoot Snakeroot
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