APPEARANCE

Wild ginger is an evergreen plant with thick roots and trailing stems with heart-shaped leaves on long stalks. The flowers are purple and bell-shaped with three petals. The whole plant smells like lemon-ginger when crushed.

RANGE & HABITAT

It is found growing in many places in North America. In B.C., it’s found mostly in southern areas, and almost always in damp shaded woodlands.

LIFE CYCLE

Wild ginger starts blooming in April, and the flowers grow into egg-shaped fruits. It sprouts easily from pieces of the root.

ANIMAL USES

Not many animals eat this plant, and it is poisonous to some caterpillars and fly larvae.

TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Indigenous peoples make tea and poultices for headaches and other pains from the roots.

OTHER USES

It is a very valuable garden plant, and many people still eat the roots in teas and as a ginger substitute.

STATUS

COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow

MORE INFORMATION

www.wildflower.org

Photo: PluckyTree