Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild Ginger, or Canada Wild Ginger, is found in rich, moist woodlands. It is a great groundcover plant that forms low, dense colonies. It has velvety, heart-shaped leaves and a small reddish-brown flower under the leaves. While not related to the ginger we commonly use in cooking, the root has a strong ginger-like flavor. It was used by Native Americans in cooking and to treat coughs, colds, stomach pain, and poor digestion. It is the larval host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, and it is deer-resistant!