Photo: Alex KarasoulosCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wild Ginger Plant Care
Asarum canadense L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature are its heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that resemble ginger leaves. Originating from North America, it is sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in shady woodland gardens.
Every 7–14 days
Shade to part shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wild Ginger?
Water Wild Ginger every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it shade to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wild Ginger Native To?
What Is the Wild Ginger?
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family within the Asarum genus. Wild Ginger is native to North America. Wild Ginger is also known as Canadian Wild Ginger, American Wild Ginger, Coltsfoot.
Wild Ginger displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Wild Ginger produces inconspicuous purplish-brown flowers hidden beneath the foliage.
How Often Should You Water a Wild Ginger?
Asarum canadense requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wild Ginger Need?
Wild Ginger thrives in shade to part shade. Avoid placing Wild Ginger in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wild Ginger Prefer?
Asarum canadense grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Wild Ginger prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild Ginger?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Wild Ginger to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild Ginger?
Feed Wild Ginger every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wild Ginger?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wild Ginger?
Wild Ginger can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Wild Ginger Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wild Ginger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wild Ginger?
Wild Ginger is susceptible to slugs, snails, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wild Ginger Need?
Wild Ginger grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Wild Ginger is native to North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Wild Ginger is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Asarum genus — compare its care with other Asarum species on PlantoScan.
Asarum is part of the Aristolochiaceae plant family — browse all Aristolochiaceae genera and species.
Wild Ginger copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asarum canadense L., family Aristolochiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 422 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wild Ginger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alex Karasoulos, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Wild Ginger Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species