Asarum caudatum, or wild ginger, is a spreading evergreen perennial native to California's coastal redwood forests. It forms broad carpets of shiny heart-shaped leaves and has brownish-maroon flowers in spring that are nestled near the soil and emit a spicy scent when crushed. Wild ginger grows 7-10 inches high, tolerates light to full shade and most soil types, needs moderate watering, and is hardy to 10 degrees F or less, making it widely used as a groundcover for shaded areas.

1. Asarum caudatum
Wild ginger
Spreading perennial is native to California’s
coastal redwood forests where it forms
broad lush, shiny carpets of heart shaped
dark green leaves. Spring flowers, nestled
near the soil, are brownish maroon. Spicy
scent when plant is crushed.
Evergreen perennial
California native
7-10" high
Light to full shade
Most soils
Moderate watering
Hardy to 10 ̊F or less
Widely used as groundcover for shade.
suncrestnurseries.com
Asarum caudatum
Wild ginger
Spreading perennial is native to California’s
coastal redwood forests where it forms
broad lush, shiny carpets of heart shaped
dark green leaves. Spring flowers, nestled
near the soil, are brownish maroon. Spicy
scent when plant is crushed.
Evergreen perennial
California native
7-10" high
Light to full shade
Most soils
Moderate watering
Hardy to 10 ̊F or less
Widely used as groundcover for shade.
suncrestnurseries.com