Asarum canadense

Canada Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)Birthwort Family Light green, heart shaped leaves born on stems just a few inches off the ground emerge just as the tree canopy does. Flowers emerge soon after, but you’ll have to connect with your inner-child and get on your hands and knees to see them. The flower is concealed within a ½” maroon, bell shaped calyx that lies flat on the ground shaded by the leaves. While this ginger is not related to the ginger you’re used to eating, the rhizome does give off the same ginger smell and is edible–it’s just much smaller. When sited in ideal habit (moist, part shade), this makes a fast spreading deciduous ground cover. Blooms: 4-6 weeks April-MayLeaves: Light green, heart shapedHeight: 6-12” Space: 1’Soil: Moist-Average, RichExposure: Shade-Part shadeFauna: Flies and beetlesSeeds: Prominent brown capsule contains several brown seedsDeer Resistance: HighZone: 3-8Native Status: NC native, uncommon in the Piedmont, common in the MountainsProvenance: Nor