Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

From Nearctica

Identification: Plant consisting of two leaves joined at ground level. Flower cup-shaped with 3 red-brown pointed "petals" (actually sepals) arising from the junction between the two leaves. Leaves large, heart-shaped, thickened, and deeply indented at the base. Leaf stem hairy and gray-white in appearance. Root with a ginger aroma. Plant 6 to 12 inches in height.

Distribution: Southern Canada and the eastern United States except Florida. Primarily in the mountains in the south. Westward to the Dakotas and Kansas.

Habitat: Wild Ginger is a species of rich, moist woods.

Flowering period: April to May.