Common Name: Wild Ginger

General Information

Asarum caudatum is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 20cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The plant can spread at the roots to form fairly large colonies. The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[, ].
The plant is harbested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[, ]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Botanical References

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Range

Western N. America - British Columbia to Montana, south to California

Habitat

Deep shade in moist pine woods and redwood forests[, ]. Understory of conifer forests, usually in mesic or wet places; at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres and occasionally to 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Self, Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[, ].
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 root can be used as a ginger substitute[]. The root has a pungent, aromatic smell like mild pepper and ginger mixed, but more strongly aromatic. It can be harvested all year round, but is best in the autumn[]. It can also be dried for later use[].

Leaves are a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

The root is laxative, stomachic and tonic[, ]. A tea made from the root is used in the treatment of colds, colic, indigestion and stomach pains[, ].
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

The whole plant is analgesic, antirheumatic, appetizer and tonic[].
A decoction is used externally to treat headaches, intestinal pain and knee pains[].

A poultice made from the heated leaves is applied to boils, skin infections and toothaches, whilst a decoction of the leaves is used as a wash on sores[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A useful ground-cover plant for deep shade[], spreading by its roots[].

Other Uses

None known

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.