Wild Ginger – Asarum canadense

 

Nomenclature:

  • Asarum canadense
  • Family: Birthwort (Aristolochiaceae)

 

Botany and Ecology:

  • Habitat: rich woods, typically higher pH soil level
  • Height: 6-12 inches
  • Flower size: 1-1/2 inches across
  • Flower color: dark red-brown
  • Flowering time: April to May
  • Economic uses: food and medicinal
    • Production: cultivation and wild-harvesting
  • Distribution:
    • United States: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
    • Canada: MB, NB, ON, QC

 

Uses:

  • Edible:
    • Flowers and underground stem can be used as a ginger substitute
  • Medicinal:
    • Root acts as a diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, irritant, powerful stimulant, and a tonice
    • Root used to treat asthma, chronic chest complaints, coughs, colds, and menstruation cramps
    • Fresh leaves are used to treat inflammations and wounds
    • Root contains antibiotic substances and aristolochic acid that has antitumor activity
  • Other:
    • Ground cover
    • Incense, root can be ground into a powder and used as perfume

 

Conservation:

 

Markets and Vendors:

 

Wild Ginger