Zone: 4-6
Height: 15-30 cm (6-12 in)
Spread: 30-45 cm (12-18 in); rhizomes spread to form colonies
Bloom: Early spring small (2 cm) reddish-brown flower (at plant base under foliage) attracts various insects (ants, flies, beetles); not very visible but really interesting!
Foliage: Large (15 cm or 6 in), heart-shaped dark green velvety leaves make handsome groundcover; deciduous
Light: Part to full shade
Water: Moderate
Soil: Average to acidic; moist with good drainage
Garden site: Front edge of perennial bed and under planting of shrubs and trees in forest garden setting
Asarum canadense (Canada wild ginger)
Canadian wild ginger looks great as a groundcover under shrubs and trees, but does not tolerate direct traffic. While roots are used as a substitute for ginger, the leaves are not edible and their sap may cause dermatitus.
