Wild Ginger
Asarum caudatum
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