What is asarums?

Asarums, commonly known as wild gingers, are a genus of perennial plants native to Asia and North America. They are members of the birthwort family and are prized for their ornamental foliage and unique flowers.

Asarums are typically low-growing plants that form clumps of glossy, heart-shaped leaves that vary in size and color depending on the species. Their flowers are unusual-looking and often hidden beneath the foliage; they have no petals and instead consist of a cob-shaped structure called a spathe that surrounds a central cluster of tiny flowers. Asarums bloom in the early spring and are pollinated by insects that are attracted to their strong, spicy scent.

Asarums prefer moist, well-draining soil and shade to partial shade. They are easy to care for and require little maintenance once established. They are often used in woodland gardens, as groundcovers, or as accent plants in shaded areas. In addition to their ornamental value, some species of asarums have been used for their medicinal properties in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.