Overview
Asarum arifolium is a low, evergreen perennial groundcover growing 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreading 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide by slow rhizomes. Its leathery, arrowhead- to heart-shaped leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dark green and often mottled with silvery markings along the veins, persisting through winter in mild climates. In spring it bears small, jug-shaped flowers, brown to maroon, hidden at the base of the plant near the soil where they are easily overlooked. The flowers are pollinated by ground-dwelling insects, and the seeds carry oily appendages that ants collect and disperse. It is native to the moist, shaded woodlands of the southeastern United States, where it grows in acidic, humus-rich soils under hardwoods. It spreads slowly to form patches and is suited to shade rather than sun, scorching in direct light or dry soil. All parts contain aristolochic acid, a compound toxic to people and animals if eaten. The crushed foliage and roots have a mild ginger-like scent, the source of the wild ginger name.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia and the Carolinas south to Florida and west to Mississippi. It grows in moist, shaded hardwood forests and on wooded slopes in acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Used as an evergreen groundcover in shade and woodland gardens, along shaded paths, and at the front of shaded borders. It combines with ferns, trilliums, and other woodland plants in moist acidic soil. The low, slow-spreading habit suits naturalized shade plantings rather than sunny or dry sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Blooms in spring, generally March to May, with small jug- or pitcher-shaped flowers held at ground level among the leaf bases. The brownish flowers are inconspicuous and last several weeks. Seeds ripen later and are carried off by ants.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
brown to maroonFoliage Description
dark green, mottled with silverGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight