Asarum reflexum
reflexed wild ginger
Overview
Asarum reflexum is a low, deciduous perennial of the wild ginger group, forming colonies of paired heart-shaped leaves from creeping rhizomes across the woodland floor. Plants stand 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spread slowly into mats 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The reniform to broadly heart-shaped leaf blades are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) wide, soft green, and carried in pairs on short hairy stalks. In mid to late spring a single cup-shaped flower forms at ground level between each leaf pair, brownish-maroon to greenish, about 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) across, with three pointed calyx lobes that bend sharply backward. The flowers sit on or just under the leaf litter and are easily hidden by foliage. Rhizomes and foliage carry a ginger-like scent when bruised; despite this they are not edible and contain aristolochic acid, a compound toxic to the kidneys. The species spreads at a measured pace and takes several seasons to knit into groundcover. It depends on shade and steady soil moisture, scorching in full sun or dry soil.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, where it grows in rich, moist deciduous woodland, shaded slopes, and ravines, often over limestone-influenced soils.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade groundcover in woodland gardens, beneath shrubs, and along shaded paths. Combined with ferns, trilliums, and other spring woodland plants in moist soil. Dry or sunny sites and fast-coverage needs restrict where it fits.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
The solitary flowers open in mid to late spring, generally April through May. Each brownish to greenish cup sits at ground level beneath the paired leaves, where ground-dwelling insects and self-pollination set seed. Ants disperse the ripe seeds, which carry an oily appendage.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Brownish-maroon to greenFoliage Description
GreenGrowing 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