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Asarum caudatum
Wild Ginger
Western North America (British Columbia to California, east to Montana and Idaho)
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Overview
Asarum caudatum is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial reaching 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) tall with an indefinite spread through creeping rhizomes. Leaves are heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) across, medium to dark green, slightly glossy, and borne on hairy petioles 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long. The foliage forms a dense, overlapping ground-layer canopy. Flowers are borne singly at ground level, concealed beneath the foliage, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, with three brownish-purple calyx lobes that taper into elongated tail-like extensions 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long. Flowers are pollinated by ground-dwelling insects and fungus gnats. The plant spreads by shallow rhizomes at a rate of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year in moist, humus-rich soil, forming a continuous mat within 3–4 years. All parts emit a ginger-like scent when crushed. Foliage is evergreen in zones 7–9 and semi-evergreen in zones 4–6, where leaves may brown during harsh winters. Slugs and snails feed on foliage, particularly in wet spring conditions. The plant declines in dry conditions and does not tolerate drought.
Native Range
Asarum caudatum is native to western North America, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California, and east into western Montana and Idaho. It grows in moist, shaded coniferous and mixed forests, along stream banks, and in deep ravines from near sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a ground cover in woodland gardens and shaded borders at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing for full coverage within 2–3 years. Suitable for underplanting beneath conifers, deciduous trees, and large shrubs where deep shade and consistent moisture prevail. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) in a humus-rich, moisture-retentive mix; the shallow rhizome system suits wide, shallow containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Brownish-purple flowers appear at ground level beneath the foliage canopy in April–June. Individual flowers last 3–4 weeks. Flowers are hidden and require lifting the foliage to observe. Seed capsules develop at ground level by mid-summer; seeds are dispersed by ants.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium to dark green, heart-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-3 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist soil in full shade to partial shade. This species does not tolerate drought; foliage wilts and browns within 1–2 weeks of dry conditions. Overwatering is rarely a problem in well-drained forest soils, but standing water causes rhizome rot. Slugs and snails are the primary pest, causing holes and ragged edges on foliage, especially in wet spring weather. The shallow rhizome system is vulnerable to disturbance; avoid cultivating near established colonies. In zones 4–6, a light mulch of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of leaf litter in fall protects the crown and rhizomes from winter damage.Pruning
No pruning required. In semi-evergreen zones, winter-damaged brown leaves can be removed in early spring before new growth emerges. In evergreen zones, remove only damaged or yellowed leaves as needed. The colony expands naturally by rhizomes and does not require cutting back.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons