Wild Ginger

Asarum caudatum

Aristolochiaceae

• Spokane Native
• Shade-Part Shade
• Size: 1.5’ wide x 6" tall
• Drought Tolerant: No, requires consistent moisture
• Evergreen: Yes
• Flowers Color: Burgundy-brown (April-July)
• Wildlife Value: Unusual flowers pollinated by ground beetles and fungus gnats; provides dense groundcover in shaded woodland areas; evergreen foliage offers year-round texture

Wild Ginger is an elegant native evergreen groundcover growing about 6 inches tall and spreading slowly by rhizomes to form dense colonies up to 18 inches wide. It thrives in shade to partial shade and requires consistent moisture—it does not tolerate drought. This beautiful species grows naturally in moist, shaded forests, alongside streams, and in rich woodland soils throughout the Pacific Northwest. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils with high organic content and appreciates a cool, moist environment similar to its native forest floor habitat.

The gorgeous evergreen leaves are heart-shaped, 2-4 inches wide, deep glossy green, and arise in pairs on short stems from creeping rhizomes. The beautiful foliage creates a lush, dense carpet that persists year-round, providing exceptional texture and greenery in shaded areas. Hidden beneath the leaves in spring are the plant's unusual flowers—small (about 1 inch), jug-shaped, burgundy to reddish-brown blooms that sit at ground level. These curious flowers have three pointed, tail-like lobes (hence 'caudatum'). While not showy, the flowers are fascinating when discovered. The entire plant—rhizomes, stems, and leaves—has a distinctive spicy-sweet ginger-like aroma when crushed, though it's unrelated to culinary ginger.

Wild Ginger's unusual ground-level flowers are pollinated by ground beetles, fungus gnats, and other crawling insects rather than flying pollinators—an interesting ecological adaptation. The dense evergreen mats provide year-round groundcover and habitat in woodland settings. Indigenous peoples used wild ginger medicinally, though with caution—the rhizomes were used in small amounts to treat colds, stomach ailments, and as a flavoring. IMPORTANT: Wild ginger contains aristolochic acid, which can be toxic in large amounts, so it should not be consumed as a culinary ginger substitute. Historically, the aromatic rhizomes were sometimes used as a ginger flavoring, but this is no longer recommended due to toxicity concerns.

Ideal for shaded woodland gardens, beneath trees, alongside shaded paths, and as evergreen groundcover in moist, dark areas where few other plants thrive. The beautiful heart-shaped leaves create a lush, luxuriant effect. Excellent companions include sword fern, bleeding heart, trillium, false Solomon's seal, and other shade-loving natives. Works beautifully under rhododendrons, maples, and in naturalized forest settings. The dense mat prevents weeds while providing elegant evergreen texture. Perfect for difficult deep-shade areas with consistent moisture. The combination of gorgeous glossy foliage, spreading habit, and year-round interest makes Wild Ginger an outstanding choice for shaded Spokane-area gardens.