Asarum blumei

Asarum blumei is a small plant from Japan that lives for years. It keeps its leaves all year. Its native range lies on the island of Honshu. It belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae. It grows in a temperate climate. In the wild, it grows on damp, shaded mountain slopes. Plants reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] in height. Its synonyms are Asarum albivenium and Asarum leucodictyon.

The flowers appear in May and have a bad smell. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies carry pollen between the flowers. Plants may seed themselves when the site suits them. They spread slowly, so allow for this when planning where to plant. The species accounts give no details about how the fruit looks. They also say little about leaf shape or colour.

Choose a shaded site with rich soil that holds moisture. A woodland garden or shaded rock garden suits its needs. It accepts sand, loam, and clay if the soil drains well. It prefers soil that ranges from slightly acid to neutral. PFAF lists both full shade and part shade as suitable. Its landscape notes favour dappled shade and shaded edges over deep shade. A woodland spot with light shade is thus a clear choice. PFAF reports hardiness to at least 5°F [−15°C]. It also lists USDA zones 6–9.

Grow more plants from seed or by dividing them. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame during summer. Give stored seed three weeks of cold treatment. Then sow it in late winter. At 64°F [18°C], seeds may sprout in one to four weeks or longer. Move seedlings into their own pots when large enough to handle. Keep them in light shade in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring once large enough. Divide plants that have settled in during spring or autumn. Pot the divided plants and shelter them until growth becomes strong.

PFAF lists no known edible uses for this species. It records a traditional use for sore throats: roots boiled in water. Other reported uses concern pain, coughs, mucus, and gas in the gut. These records do not prove safe use or health benefits. PFAF reports no accounts of toxic effects specific to this species. The lack of reports does not mean it is safe to eat. It lists no other uses and does not flag a risk of becoming a weed.