Cold hardy Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wanted to bring up wild ginger now that more people are aware how hard ginger has been to het this year. Most people don’t grow it because they are unaware this native exists.

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asarum_canadense.shtml

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/ornamental-ginger/growing-wild-ginger.htm

Many places have this plant for sale e.g. Wild Ginger Plants For Sale Wholesale .79

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A bit finicky for your average gardener. But, certainly worthy of trial if you have shade/woodsy situations.
I have a client that has no lawn, home in the trees – ginger has been a good plant.
(My only concern would be a forest fire if I lived there.)

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I have a chunk of this under a big spruce. I was happy to get the starting bit locally since I try to do native plants where possible.
We have not used any yet mainly because it apparently has some compounds that can be toxic, so you have to be careful about amounts.
I know it was traditionally used by First Nations, so it can be safe, but I’m not sure I want to try it without proper instruction.

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I tried to get some of this last year for the spring but it was sold out from the places that I looked at. I’m going to try again this fall. :slight_smile:

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I just planted some the other day. And the squirrels promptly dug up the rhizomes. They may have eaten some, but I’m not sure. I’ll see if I have any coming up later this spring.

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it used to grow in the woods below my home along an old railroad right of way. Very fragrant.

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