Common Name: Snake Root

General Information

Asarum canadense is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 20cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The plant can spread to form large colonies. The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[, ].
The plant was a commonly used herbal remedy for the native N. American people, and it is still often used in modern herbalism. It is usually harvested from the wild and can also be used as a condiment and incense. The plant is grown as an ornamental, and makes a good ground cover.

Known Hazards

The leaves are poisonous[]. Handling the leaves is said to cause dermatitis in some people[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Manitoba to New Brunswick, south to Louisiana and Georgia

Habitat

Moist rich soils in woodlands, usually on calcareous soils[, ]. Understorey of deciduous (rarely coniferous) forests; at elevations from sea level to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Self, Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -25°c[].
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[, ]. Plants are found on alkaline soils in the wild[].
The flowers are malodorous and are mainly self-pollinated but are also pollinated by mycotrophic flies[, ].
Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[].

Edible Uses

The underground stem and the flowers are used as a ginger substitute[, , , , ]. The root, especially when quite dry, has a pungent, aromatic smell like mild pepper and ginger mixed, but more strongly aromatic[].
The root is best harvested in autumn but is available all year round[]. It can be dried for later use[].

Medicinal

Snake root was widely employed as a medicinal herb by a number of native North American tribes who used it to treat a wide range of ailments[]. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism.

The root is anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, irritant, powerfully stimulant, stomachic and tonic[, , , , , ]. It is used in the treatment of chronic chest complaints, asthma, coughs, colds, dropsy, painful spasms of the bowels and stomach, scant or painful menstruation, infantile convulsions[, ]. The root and rhizome were slowly boiled in a small quantity of water for a long time and the resulting liquid drunk as a contraceptive by the women of one N. American Indian tribe[].
The fresh leaves are applied as a poultice to wounds and inflammations, whilst a decoction or salve is applied to sores[].
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

The root contains antibiotic substances effective against broad-spectrum bacteria and fungi[]. It also contains aristolochic acid, which has antitumor activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant makes a useful ground cover for a shady position so long as it is not dry[], spreading by its roots[].

Other Uses

The slightly roasted root can be ground into a powder and then sprinkled onto clothing for perfume[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring.
Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.