Asarum, or Wild Ginger, is an herbaceous perennial which grows in colonies in shady woodland locations especially in the more northerly Eastern U.S. Each plant consists of two heart-shaped leaves emerging from a fleshy root/rhizome complex. Between these two leaves a single, somewhat inconspicuous maroon flower arises in May/June, most often hidden by the foliage. The flower is 3-parted, and missing petals, the sepals curve back emphasizing its triangular shape. It is believed Wild Ginger is self pollinated. The fruit is a dry capsule which opens in place. The seeds have an oily appendage called an elaiosome which attracts ants, which then disperse the seed across the forest floor. The leaves of Wild Ginger can reach 6 inches across and they persist throughout the growing season, forming an excellent ground cover. It prefers medium to moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil. It is reported to be deer resistant. As a member of the Pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae) it is a host for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. It is often confused with Hexastylis, a superficially similar-looking member of an entirely different, but related, family, the Acanthaceae.
