Canadian wild ginger Asarum canadense
Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a deciduous perennial groundcover in the Aristolochiaceae family, native to Eastern North America. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Canadian wild ginger at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Canadian wild ginger toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains aristolochic acid (kidney toxin, carcinogen): not a culinary ginger.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Canadian wild ginger
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Canadian wild ginger
- How far apart should I plant Canadian wild ginger?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Canadian wild ginger need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Canadian wild ginger need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Canadian wild ginger?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Canadian wild ginger flower?
- From about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Canadian wild ginger poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains aristolochic acid (kidney toxin, carcinogen): not a culinary ginger.
- What grows well with Canadian wild ginger?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Canadian wild ginger. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Velvety heart-shaped leaves carpet shady woodland; maroon jug flowers hide at ground level.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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