Asarum caudatum

© Great Plant Picks

© Great Plant Picks

Dancing Oaks Nursery, Inc

Common Name: British Columbia Wild Ginger

Great Plant Picks: This Pacific Northwest native is tops for the garden. Its bold, heart-shaped leaves are fully evergreen and release a spicy, ginger-and-citrus fragrance when crushed. Asarum caudatum grows as an understory plant in our forests, so it is accustomed to dry, shady locations. Be sure to peek beneath the foliage in late winter to see the unusual, triangular, rust-brown flowers. This is one of the few wild gingers that have a fair degree of slug resistance.

Western wild ginger is an adaptable plant that can be grown in dry or moist locations in open to deep shade. Foliage burns on plants grown in too much sun. Occasional watering during dry periods will keep the foliage looking fresh. Well established plants are completely drought tolerant but may have limp leaves that will perk up with autumn rain. Be patient with newly planted Asarum; as with many perennials, it often takes a year for new plants to settle in and grow nicely.