About
Asarum canadense is a spreading perennial that remains low to the ground. In spring, it features downy, heart-shaped green leaves and produces purple-brown, cup-shaped flowers that are frequently obscured by the surrounding foliage.
About the genus
Asarum comprises either evergreen or deciduous perennials that develop a network of rhizomes, creating a dense layer of long-stemmed, heart- or kidney-shaped foliage. Some leaves exhibit a distinctive silver mottling. The flowers are unique, featuring a three-lobed calyx in muted, earthy tones. Commonly known as wild gingers, these plants are not related to culinary gingers; the name derives from the spicy fragrance of their rhizomes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Best grown on neutral to acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free