ExplorePlants

Western Wild Ginger

Asarum caudatum

Western Wild Ginger is a lovely plant that grows low to the ground. Its heart-shaped leaves are bright green, and it has unique, bell-shaped flowers that are often hidden beneath the leaves.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Wild Ginger has striking heart-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves that form a low ground cover. Its unique, jug-shaped flowers are a deep reddish-brown or maroon, often hidden beneath the foliage, and feature three long, slender 'tails' that extend outwards.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderPiperalesFamilyAristolochiaceaeGenusAsarum
Western Wild Ginger
aromatic trait badgebell_shaped_flower trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badge
Western Wild Ginger

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it smells like ginger, this plant is not related to the ginger spice you use for cooking!

Its weird flowers often hide right on the forest floor, making them a fun challenge to spot!

The unique tails on its maroon flowers can grow several centimeters long, making them look very exotic!

This wild ginger spreads slowly underground using special stems, creating cozy carpets of heart-shaped leaves.

Special abilities

Ability

Shade Master

Western Wild Ginger can thrive in deep, dark forest shade where many other plants struggle to grow, by efficiently capturing scarce light.

Ability

Ant Gardener

This plant has special seeds with a fatty cap that attracts ants, which then carry the seeds away and help plant them elsewhere.

Ability

Fragrant Shield

Its leaves release a distinctive ginger-like scent when crushed, which might deter some grazing animals from taking a bite.

Measurements & details

Height
10-20 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
2-5 cm
Bloom Season
Early Spring to Mid-Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any plants unless you are sure they are safe and have permission from an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Western Wild Ginger?

10-20 cm

How wide does Western Wild Ginger spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Western Wild Ginger?

2-5 cm

When does Western Wild Ginger bloom?

Early Spring to Mid-Spring

Is Western Wild Ginger edible?

No

Is Western Wild Ginger toxic?

Moderate

What is Western Wild Ginger's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Western Wild Ginger pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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