Western Wild Ginger
(Asarum caudatum)
Western Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)
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Ellyne Geurts
Public Domain
Image By:
Ellyne Geurts
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ellyne Geurts | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Ellyne Geurts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-19T16:09:14-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asarum caudatum, commonly known as Western Wild Ginger, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the rich, moist understory of coniferous and mixed forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It typically grows to a height of 0.3-0.5 feet (0.09-0.15 meters) and spreads 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters) wide. The plant has a lush, ground-hugging habit with heart-shaped leaves that provide a dense cover, making it an excellent groundcover choice. Its flowers, which appear from late spring to early summer, are curious and often hidden by foliage; they are bell-shaped, with three long, tail-like lobes, and come in shades of brown, yellow, green, purple, and white. While not particularly showy, these flowers have a unique charm and are pollinated by flies.
Western Wild Ginger is valued for its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in shaded garden areas, woodland settings, and as an understory plant in naturalized landscapes. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. This plant is generally disease-resistant but can occasionally suffer from rust or leaf spot. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for gardeners. A. caudatum is also noted for its aromatic rhizomes, which have been used traditionally by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including as a culinary spice, although it is not related to true ginger (Zingiber officinale).CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Wild Ginger is valued for its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in shaded garden areas, woodland settings, and as an understory plant in naturalized landscapes. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. This plant is generally disease-resistant but can occasionally suffer from rust or leaf spot. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for gardeners. A. caudatum is also noted for its aromatic rhizomes, which have been used traditionally by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including as a culinary spice, although it is not related to true ginger (Zingiber officinale).CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist understory of coniferous and mixed forests
Other Names
Common Names: British Columbia Wild Ginger, Long-Tailed Wild Ginger, Asaret Caudé
Scientific Names: , Asarum caudatum, Asarum hookeri, Asarum caudatum f. chloroleucum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Asarum caudatum Lindl.