Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger)

British Columbia Wild Ginger, Western Wild Ginger, Long-Tailed Wild Ginger


Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial boasting shiny, heart-shaped, dark green leaves, 2-5 in. wide (5-12 cm), which exude a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed. In late spring to early summer, fascinating reddish brown, cup-shaped, three-lobed flowers, ending in long graceful tails, are produced beneath the foliage. Western Wild Ginger spreads by creeping rhizomes to create a beautiful carpet within a few years. While a strong spreader, it is not invasive. Deer resistant, its large leaves and low growth make it a magnificent groundcover to plant under shade-loving trees and shrubs. More drought tolerant than the other species, Asarum caudatum is also one of the few wild gingers that shows some slug resistance.

  • Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 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. Adaptable enough to thrive in sites that are wet in winter and to soils ranging from sandy to clay.
  • Western Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens and is perfect for underplanting shrubs , edging or containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free but keep an eye out for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Native to western North America from British Columbia to California and as far east as western Montana.

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asarum - Wild Gingers
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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By JPL Designs, Shutterstock, Peter Stevens, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asarum - Wild Gingers
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

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