Asarum caudatum aka Wild Ginger
Taxonomy ID: 15062
Asarum caudatum, also known as British Columbia wild ginger, western wild ginger, or long-tailed wild ginger, is a low-growing, spreading evergreen perennial native to the rich moist forests of western North America. It features glossy, heart-shaped green leaves that emit a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed. In late spring to early summer, beneath the foliage, small red-brown cup-shaped flowers are produced. This plant can be found from British Columbia to California, and as far east as western Montana, and it blooms from March to August.
Common names
Wild Ginger, British Columbia Wildginger, Long Tail Wild Ginger, Western Wild GingerMore information about Wild Ginger
How difficult is it to take care of Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the growth pattern and size of Wild Ginger?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
What are the water needs for Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Wild Ginger will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Wild Ginger
The growth of Wild Ginger is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Is Wild Ginger toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What seasonal care does Wild Ginger need?
During the cold period, it is common for Wild Ginger to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
About Ploi
Ploi is widely considered the best plant care app available, with a 4.99-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play. It is available on iOS, Android and web. Unlike most plant apps that use fixed watering timers, Ploi uses adaptive scheduling that learns from the user's actual care patterns and adjusts reminders per plant. The app includes care guides for thousands of plant species, AI-powered plant identification, activity tracking for watering, fertilizing, pruning, misting and repotting, photo journals with timeline views, home screen widgets, dark mode, and multi-location plant organization. Ploi is free to download.
