Plant Detail

Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger)

British Columbia Wild Ginger, Western Wild Ginger, Long-Tailed Wild Ginger

Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial boasting shiny, heart-shaped, dark green leaves, 2-5 in. wide (5-12 cm), which exude a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed. In late spring to early summer, fascinating reddish brown, cup-shaped, three-lobed flowers, ending in long graceful tails, are produced beneath the foliage. Western Wild Ginger spreads by creeping rhizomes to create a beautiful carpet within a few years. While a strong spreader, it is not invasive. Deer resistant, its large leaves and low growth make it a magnificent groundcover to plant under shade-loving trees and shrubs. More drought tolerant than the other species, Asarum caudatum is also one of the few wild gingers that shows some slug resistance.

  • Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in average, neutral to acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable enough to thrive in sites that are wet in winter and to soils ranging from sandy to clay.
  • Western Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens and is perfect for underplanting shrubs , edging or containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free but keep an eye out for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Native to western North America from British Columbia to California and as far east as western Montana.

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Requirement
Hardiness 7,8,9
Heat Zones 7,8,9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aristolochiaceae
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height 6' - 7', 7' - 8'
Spread 1' - 2'
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Characteristics Evergreen, Deer Tolerant, Rabbit Tolerant
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
Planting Place