Asarum caudatum

Asarum caudatum – Western Wild Ginger

Asarum caudatum, commonly known as Western Wild Ginger or Tailed Snakeroot, is an attractive, low-growing evergreen perennial prized for its large, glossy, heart-shaped green leaves and unusual flowers. In late spring, fascinating reddish-brown, three-lobed flowers with long, tapering tails appear close to the ground, often hidden beneath the foliage.

Native to western North America, this hardy woodland plant forms a spreading carpet approximately 15–20 cm high and 50–100 cm wide, making it an excellent evergreen ground cover for shaded gardens.

It thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil that is acidic to neutral. Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, underplanting shrubs and naturalistic planting, where its lush foliage provides year-round interest. The leaves release a distinctive spicy, ginger-like scent when crushed.

Photo credit: Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons