Overview of Wild Ginger
There are 60 to 70 species of woodland perennials in the genus Asarum. These great foliage plants in the family Aristolochiaceae make excellent ground covers for shady sites. Their leaves vary considerably in texture, colors of green and patterning. They all grow best in a moist, organic matter rich soil. Under favorable conditions, wild ginger can spread relatively quickly, but not overly aggressively.
Of these numerous species, European wild ginger, A. europaeum, and wild ginger, A. canadense, are the most commonly available to American gardeners. Both spread slowly to form dense colonies once established. The interesting but inconspicuous, dark brown, reddish or purple, bell-shaped flowers are produced near the ground in spring, hidden by the leaves and blending in with soil and leaf litter.
Landscape Use of Wild Ginger
Wild ginger makes a good groundcover in a shady border or woodland garden. Space individual plants 12 to 24 inches apart in groups to eventually form a carpet in the area.
Most species tolerate fairly dense shade. They can also be grown in partial shade, although the leaves may burn in hot summers. The plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate clay soil.
European Wild Ginger (A. europaeum)
European wild ginger has glossy, dark green, nearly rounded leaves. It makes an excellent groundcover. Plants form neat clumps 3 to 6 inches tall and remain evergreen where winters are not too harsh. In Wisconsin, the leaves generally die back to the ground. The leaves are produced in pairs and the small, greenish-brown, drooping flowers are rarely noticed, being hidden by the foliage.
This plant prefers part to full shade and organic matter rich, moist soil. It combines nicely with bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos (= Dicentra), foamflower (Tiarella), and other shade-loving plants. It is hardy from zones 4a to 7b.
Although historically used as a flavoring, European wild ginger contains a compound (aristolochic acid) known to be damaging to the kidneys and carcinogenic, so its consumption is not currently recommended.
Canadian Wild Ginger (A. canadense)
Asarum canadense, called Canadian wild ginger or simply wild ginger, is native to North America, including Wisconsin. Plants are larger and coarser than European wild ginger, growing to 6 to 12 inches tall, with large, heart-shaped, deciduous, dark green leaves. It is hardy to zone 4a.
The creeping rhizome has a ginger-like odor and flavor. Native Americans used the root to flavor foods. This species contains a compound (aristolochic acid) known to be damaging to the kidneys and carcinogenic, so its consumption is not currently recommended.
The pendulous flowers, held under the foliage, are pollinated by flies and beetles. This species is a larval host plant for pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor) butterfly caterpillars.
Other Species of Wild Ginger
Some other species that are hardy in parts of the Upper Midwest are occasionally available. They include:
- A. arifolium, evergreen wild ginger or little brown jug, is native to southern North America. It has triangular, dark blue-green leaves patterned with gray or silver. Plants are hardy to zone 5b.
- A. caudatum, Western wild ginger, is native to the northwestern North America. Plants are slow growing, with large, light green, heart shaped leaves. Hardy to zone 5a.
- A. splendens, Chinese wild ginger, is an Asian evergreen species with large, arrowhead shaped leaves splashed with vivid silver markings. Plants are hardy to zone 5a.
Propagating Wild Ginger
Wild ginger can be divided by cutting the thick rhizomes which grow very close to the soil surface. Early spring is the best time for division, but these tough plants can be moved at other times of the year – although this will slow establishment.
Plants can also be grown from seed, which ripens in mid to late summer. Fresh seed usually germinates best, and a warm, moist period followed by a cold, moist period is required to overcome seed dormancy. Seed can be sown outdoors in summer to early fall for germination the next spring. Instead of sowing in the desired garden location, seed can be sown in pots, barely covering, and the pots buried to their rims in the ground. Seed should then germinate the following spring.
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Reviewers: Allen Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension
Revised: July, 2026
