Despite its name, it bears no relation toculinary ginger (Zingiber officinale).At first glance.
The brownish-mauve flowers have a distinctive bell shape with three small tips that flare out from its edges.
The kidney-shaped leaves have a form and habit similar to violets, though stand more upright and are larger.
Peter Prehn / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The European variety (Asarum europaeum)is also commonly available for gardens in the United States.
It was used for a wide range of medicinal purposes by Native Americans and early Euro-American settlers.
It also contains antibiotic compounds which make it useful for topical uses, such as poultices to treat wounds.
The plant is native to shady woodlands and spreads via rhizome.
Wild ginger attracts a very specificpollinator: the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly.
It has protected status in the state of Maine, where it is considered endangered.
Dig in early spring as the new plants begin to emerge.
If it’s planted in a good spot it will spread eagerly and form dense masses.
Because it thrives in moist areas, it can attract snails and slugs which may chomp on the leaves.
In fact, direct sun can cause the leaves to burn in summer.
So to keep it happy, plant it in a spot with full to partial shade.
Organic soils are best for this nutrient-loving plant.
Add moisture-holding amendments that also allow good drainage, like peat moss, used coffee grounds and compost.
Wild ginger likes moist soil and so will tolerate humidity fairly well.
