Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Qt Super Plugs

Found in mesic deciduous woodlands across Eastern North America, Common Wild Ginger is an easy-to-grow deciduous groundcover.  With broad, heart-shaped leaves that host Pipevine Swallowtail larvae, wild ginger is good to include in naturalistic woodland gardens.

Wild ginger gets its name from its above-ground creeping rhizomes - They smell strongly of ginger when crushed, even though they aren't related to true ginger.

While they do flower, the flowers aren't very noticeable since they're usually buried beneath the leaves.  The flowers are a curious jug-shape, and a rich reddish brown.  They're usually pollinated by ants and flies.

Uses

Wild ginger usually emerges in the spring after the first flush of spring ephemerals has finished blooming, making it a good filler for the summer.  The plants are rarely bothered by pests or diseases, save occasional slug damage.

The plants grow 6-12" tall, depending on moisture and fertility - In a cultivated garden setting, the plants really shine with leaves about twice the size they would be in a wild setting.

Wild ginger tends to be avoided by rabbits and deer - They may nibble new plantings, but won't usually do it twice.  The leaves and roots are strongly scented, discouraging herbivores.

How to Grow Wild Ginger

Wild ginger is one of the easiest woodland wildflowers to grow and propagate!  Simply plant plugs or transplants in rich, moist soil, and water once a week for the first year if there's no rain.  In heavily wooded areas, you may have to water more often at first as tree roots soak up a lot of the available moisture.

Make sure to keep new plantings free of weeds - In a woodland setting, Garlic mustard may be a problem at first.  Mature plantings are usually dense enough to prevent weed growth.

We provide wild ginger in our 1-Quart SuperPlugs - These are 2-year old divisions with plenty of buds and healthy root systems.