groundcover · design plant record

Asarum canadense

Canadian wild ginger

A leafy ground layer for a moist, shaded woodland composition.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

0.15–0.3 m (0.5–1 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.1–0.15 m (0.3–0.5 ft)

Light

Part shade / Shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)

Source-reported USDA zones

4–6 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer

Fit it to the site

Rich, moist, well-drained soil in shade.

Despite its common name, this is not culinary ginger; the source flags poisonous parts.

Keep the care in the decision

Leave space for a slowly spreading colony and monitor slug damage.

Origin & safety checks

North America. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

The source flags poisonous parts. Do not ingest this ornamental plant. Pet safety and edible uses are not assessed; verify the exact botanical name with a suitable local authority.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.