Western Wild Ginger
Asarum caudatum
Also listed as Asarum hookeri, Asarum rotundifolium
Also known as Longtail Wild Ginger, Long-tailed Wild Ginger, Wild Ginger
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing native groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and maroon, tubular flowers hidden at ground level. Excellent for shaded woodland gardens and as a living mulch in permaculture systems.
Why grow it
Western wild ginger establishes quickly as a dense groundcover in deep shade where many other species struggle, making it a practical choice for woodland restoration and understory planting. Unlike some competing shade groundcovers, it tolerates dry summers well once established and requires minimal maintenance or supplemental watering in appropriate climates. Its low profile and spreading rhizomes make it useful for erosion control and as a living mulch layer, while its native range across the Pacific Northwest means it can support regional pollinator and insect communities when grown in its native habitat.
Watch out for
This species spreads steadily through rhizomes and may outcompete smaller herbaceous neighbors in confined planting areas, so plan spacing accordingly. Establishment can be slow in the first year, and plants may take two to three seasons to fill an intended area. Consistent moisture during the first growing season improves survival rates, particularly for transplants from nursery stock.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest North America
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing native groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and maroon, tubular flowers hidden at ground level. Excellent for shaded woodland gardens and as a living mulch in permaculture systems.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Wild Ginger grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western wild ginger establishes quickly as a dense groundcover in deep shade where many other species struggle, making it a practical choice for woodland restoration and understory planting. Unlike some competing shade groundcovers, it tolerates dry summers well once established and requires minimal maintenance or supplemental watering in appropriate climates. Its low profile and spreading rhizomes make it useful for erosion control and as a living mulch layer, while its native range across the Pacific Northwest means it can support regional pollinator and insect communities when grown in its native habitat.
Watch out for
This species spreads steadily through rhizomes and may outcompete smaller herbaceous neighbors in confined planting areas, so plan spacing accordingly. Establishment can be slow in the first year, and plants may take two to three seasons to fill an intended area. Consistent moisture during the first growing season improves survival rates, particularly for transplants from nursery stock.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest North America
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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