Asarum canadense is a low growing native woodland ground cover with velvety heart shaped leaves that slowly spread to form a dense mat. Hidden beneath the foliage in spring are curious maroon brown flowers pollinated by ants and beetles. The foliage was once used as a culinary ginger substitute though it should not be ingested due to its toxicity. Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in Bloom Time: Spring Light Requirements: Full shade to part shade Soil Preference: Moist, humus rich forest soils Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant Native Status This species is native to eastern North America and occurs naturally in deciduous forests, woodland edges, and shady slopes. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Moths Host plant for wild ginger moths and other shade tolerant noctuid moths that lay eggs at the base of the foliage. Bees Pollinated by ground dwelling solitary bees and beetles that navigate through the dense leaf layer to reach the hidden flowers. Beneficial Insects Dense foliage offers refuge to predatory beetles and springtail hunting insects that help regulate soil level pests. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations: Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow slow spreading into a continuous shade cover over time. Landscape Placement: Well suited to shaded woodland paths, underplanting native shrubs, or naturalized forest plantings where an attractive native carpet is needed. Companion Plants Carex plantaginea (Seersucker Sedge) - Adds broad textured leaves and similar growth rate in shaded soil conditions. Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox) - Offers low flowering color while coexisting well in native forest understory. Heuchera americana (Coral Bells) - Provides foliage variety and early blooms in similar part shade areas. Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) - Brings evergreen structure and contrast in leaf texture throughout the year. Uvularia grandiflora (Large Flowered Bellwort) - Offers nodding yellow flowers above the dense carpet of Asarum in spring.
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