Asarum splendens (F.Maek.) C.Y.Chen & C.S.Yang

Wild ginger, Chinese wild ginger, showy Sichuan ginger

Wild ginger is a perennial native to China, grown in parts of North America as a garden plant. They prefer moist, humusy, rich, well-drained soils in partial shade. In warmer climes, the plant is evergeen, but in colder regions it dies back in the winter.

Plants: Low-growing, 6–9″ high ⨉ 9–12″ around (15–22 ⨉ 22–30 cm).

Leaves: Cordate, glossy, up to 4 ⨉ 3½″ (10 ⨉ 8.9 cm). The leaves are naturally variegated—dark green, with streaks and blotches of silvery white coloring.

Flowers: Dark purple, brown, or lavendar bloom in the spring, underneath the foliage. They appear, if you can find them, from May to June.

Fruits: Plants spread via roots.

Habitats: Moist, humusy, rich, well-drained soils in partial shade. In warmer climes, the plant is evergeen, but in colder regions it dies back in the winter.

Online References:

Asarum splendens description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.