asarum epigynum - Gardening
Asarum is a genus of low-growing herbs distributed across the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, with most species in East Asia (China, Japan, and Vietnam) and North America, and one species in Europe. Asarum canadense, commonly called wild ginger, is a Missouri native spring wildflower which occurs in rich woods and wooded slopes throughout the State. Basically a stemless plant which features two downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, handsomely veined, dark green, basal leaves (to 6" wide).
Understanding the Context
Wild ginger, Asarum canadense, is found growing throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, as well as parts of Asia. Despite its name, it bears no relation to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale). There are several species of perennial foliage plants in the genus Asarum that make great ground covers for shady sites. European wild ginger and the North American wild ginger are the most commonly used as landscape plants.
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Key Insights
The Asarum genus, part of the Aristolochiaceae family, includes about 100 species of perennials known as wild ginger. Native to the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, they are grown for their heart-shaped leaves and unique, jug-shaped flowers that are usually hidden beneath the foliage. Asarum canadense, or Common Wild Ginger, is a ginger in a different genus within the Aristolochiaceae family, that looks like its Hexastylis cousins and has a similar flower. There are two species of wild ginger native to North America: Asarum canadense in the East and Asarum caudatum in the West. Both have matte green, heart-shaped leaves and spread steadily.
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Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense L.) By Larry Stritch Asarum canadense, wild ginger, is found throughout the eastern half of the United States. It grows in rich mesic soils in shady deciduous forests.