Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum)
Discover Asarum caudatum, low-maintenance western wild ginger, perfect for shady, moist areas with its evergreen foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Asarum caudatum, commonly known as Wild ginger, is a treasured native ground cover valued for its robust, evergreen foliage and adaptability to deep shade. This rhizomatous perennial forms attractive, dense mats of bright green, heart-shaped leaves, making it an excellent textural element in woodland settings. Despite its common name, gardeners should note that this West Coast native is botanically unrelated to culinary ginger.
The plant provides continuous aesthetic appeal, layering its unique, often ground-hugging, brownish flowers beneath the canopy starting from April into June. Its low stature and spreading habit make Asarum caudatum an ideal solution for stabilizing slopes or replacing traditional lawn areas where sun exposure is minimal.
Cultivating Wild ginger is straightforward, requiring only consistent moisture and protection from harsh summer elements. Its low maintenance requirements and native status combine to offer a functional and ecologically responsible choice for shaded garden spaces across its hardiness range.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Western North America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to June
- Bloom Description: Rusty-brown to brownish-purple to yellow-green
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Wild ginger should occur in the spring or fall when conditions are cooler, allowing the rhizomes to establish before stressful summer heat or deep winter freezes. Look for locations offering humusy, slightly acidic soil that retains moisture but maintains good drainage. While tolerant of moist soils, plants thrive when they receive dappled morning sun; however, avoid hot, direct afternoon sun exposures entirely, particularly in the climate extremes of the deep South.
Ongoing care for established Asarum caudatum is minimal. Water deeply during dry spells, as established plants gain some drought tolerance, though consistent medium moisture is preferred for best performance. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the natural environment provides adequate leaf mold or organic layering. Pruning is generally unnecessary; allow the plant to spread naturally via its rhizomes to form a cohesive mat.
Established plants spread slowly via subterranean rhizomes and may self-seed, with ants often aiding in seed dispersal to new areas, further enhancing its naturalized look. Ensure adequate organic matter is present annually to mimic the moist forest floor environment where this western wild ginger naturally occurs.
Landscape Uses
Asarum caudatum excels as a versatile evergreen ground cover, perfectly suited for filling in moist, shady corners of woodland gardens. Its spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for naturalizing under large trees where turf struggles to survive, creating an attractive foliage tapestry year-round. It performs beautifully along borders or nestled between rocks in shaded rock gardens, softening hardscaping elements.
When planning companion plantings, choose species that share similar low-light, rich soil requirements. Excellent partners include native ferns, Hosta varieties geared toward deep shade, or woodland ephemerals like Trillium. The bold, heart-shaped leaves of Wild ginger provide a wonderful textural contrast against finer, more delicate foliage.
Utilize this plant to create unbroken carpets of green, suppressing weeds while providing habitat structure. Because it spreads reliably, Asarum caudatum requires minimal human intervention once established, contributing to a low-effort, high-impact design in shady landscapes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asarum caudatum, commonly known as western wild ginger or long-tailed ginger, is a rhizomatous, evergreen perennial that grows in a clump to 6” tall spreading to 18” wide or more. It is primarily grown in landscapes for its bold, heart-shaped, evergreen, bright green leaves (4-6” wide) which grow in pairs on long slender petioles from each node, and its hirsute, cup-shaped, triangular flowers which bloom at ground level, somewhat concealed. Leaves and roots smell of ginger when crushed, but plants in the genus Asarum are unrelated to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinalis).
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Serious insect or disease issues are rare for Asarum caudatum, demonstrating its hardiness within its preferred environment. The primary pests to monitor for are slugs and snails, which are often attracted to tender new growth in moist conditions. Fortunately, this particular species of Wild ginger is noted for possessing some natural resistance to these common mollusk pests compared to other garden plants. Occasionally, gardeners may observe rust, a fungal disease that usually presents as powdery, orange to reddish pustules on the foliage. If rust appears, ensure adequate air circulation around the plants (though they tolerate dense growth) and avoid overhead watering late in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wild ginger suitable for?
Asarum caudatum is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10.
How large does Wild ginger grow?
This perennial typically reaches heights between 0.25 to 0.5 feet tall, spreading outward to cover an area between 0.5 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Asarum caudatum need?
Asarum caudatum prefers part shade to full shade conditions in the garden.
When does Wild ginger bloom?
The unique flowers bloom from April to June, displaying colors ranging from rusty-brown to brownish-purple to yellow-green.
Conclusion
Asarum caudatum offers exceptional value as a year-round evergreen ground cover, thriving where lawn grasses fail under heavy shade. Its low maintenance and native status solidify Wild ginger as an indispensable component for restorative, moisture-retentive woodland gardens. Before planting, confirm that your site resides within Zones 7-10 and offers the requisite part shade protection for success.
Companion Planting
When designing a shady woodland floor, pair Asarum caudatum with plants that appreciate similar soil pH and moisture levels. Shade-loving companions that contrast well texturally include various native ferns, such as Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) or Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), whose lacy fronds offset the broad, rounded leaves of the Wild ginger. Additionally, consider planting low-growing woodland ephemerals, like Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), which provide early spring color before the Asarum caudatum fully establishes its dense, evergreen coverage for the summer.
Propagation Tips
The primary method for increasing Asarum caudatum is through the division of its spreading rhizomes, which is best undertaken in early spring or early fall. Carefully lift a clump of mature Wild ginger and gently separate sections, ensuring each new division retains several healthy leaves and a viable root structure. Plant these divisions immediately at the same shallow depth into pre-moistened, rich organic soil. While the plant does self-seed, propagation by division is generally faster and more reliable for achieving the desired dense ground cover effect quickly.
