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Asarum canadense

Growing Information

Plant Type: Perennial
Sunlight: Shade
Soils: Dry to moist
Bloom Time: Inconspicuous, burgundy-colored flowers in May, June
Size: 1-2 feet in height, spreads by rhizomes

Also called American Ginger, Asarum canadense differs from the non-native European Ginger in that its foliage is dull and the non-native’s foliage is shiny. Flower are hidden beneath the leaves, almost laying on the ground.

Garden Companions

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Nature Benefits

• Seeds have an elaiosome, a sticky residue attractive to ants that help with seed dispersal.
• Flowers have scent of carrion to attract tiny flies who are responsible for pollination of the ginger flowers.
• Serves as an alternate host plant for the caterpillar of the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly.

Native Habitat

Occurs in shady deciduous forests.

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Photos