Wild Ginger
Wild ginger may not spice up your tea, but it definitely spices up your shade garden! This charming woodland groundcover, known botanically as Asarum canadense, is a native North American plant that thrives in moist, shady spots. With its heart-shaped leaves and hidden maroon flowers tucked close to the ground, it’s a low-growing beauty with big appeal.
Despite its name, the wild ginger plant isn’t related to true ginger (Zingiber officinale). Instead, it belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family, which includes some surprising relatives like Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), a dramatic vine known for its unusual, pipe-shaped flowers.
Other wild ginger species include Western wild ginger (Asarum caudatum), Sierra wild ginger (Asarum hartwegii), Chinese wild ginger (Asarum splendens), and European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum)—each with its own personality and charm.
The leaves of wild ginger aren’t just pretty—they’re also a clever adaptation. Their dense growth helps smother weeds and keep the soil cool and moist, making this plant a great eco-friendly groundcover. And while it’s not edible like its spicy namesake, wild ginger does play a vital role in nature. Its flowers attract tiny pollinators like fungus gnats, and its seeds come with a treat called an elaiosome, which ants love—so they help spread it!
If you’re looking to fill a shady nook with native flair and pollinator-friendly charm, the wild ginger plant just might be your new best friend.
