Variety #1: Asarum arifolium (Arrowleaf Ginger, Heartleaf Wild Ginger) has anise-scented leaves and produces tan/gray flowers in the shape of jugs, thus the nickname 'little jug'. The leaves can be variegated, although the leaves on my plant look pretty much the same shade of green at this point in time. The leaves are evergreen, although they turn brown and the old leaves die as new ones are forming. *Not sure if this plant serves as a larval host to any butterflies as does A. canadense, below (there was some conflicting information while I was trying to research the differences)* It contains a rodent carcinogen, so this herb may be poisonous to humans, as well.
Late April: The leaves are heart-shaped and quite large, but there are no signs of any blooms.
Late March: Last years brown foliage was still attached as the new growth popped through the ground.
Variety #2:
Asarum canadense (Canadian Ginger, Canadian Snakeroot): Rhizomes were used by Native Americans as a seasoning and medicinal herb. It produces reddish-brown flowers with 3 sepals. *This plantserves as the larval host for the Pipevine Swallowtail*
Late April: The leaves are heart shaped but much smaller and rounder than the first variety.
Early April: Leaves have become fully rounded with a smaller heart shape, and red blooms have fully formed. The blooms are attached to the base of the plant underneath the leaves and are difficult to see unless you physically move the leaves.
Late March: The leaves are not yet fully developed and are quite small, but the flowers have formed.
They have spread quite a bit since they were planted a year ago.
Before Wednesday comes to a close, I wanted to join Gail at Clay and Limestone for Wildflower Wednesday, where garden bloggers post photos and information about wildflowers and native plants they are growing. I'm finishing this post just in the nick of time!
What gifts have you discovered today? Every day I discover something new. I hope you do, as well! Until next time,
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
It's a disconcerting post because the leaves are similar to plants I am familiar with but which are definitely not ginger.
ReplyDeleteThe one at the top, to me, is specially attractive.
Why, though, are these plants are called 'ginger' if they smell of anise and can be poisonous?
Wild ginger is not related to common ginger but is in the 'birthwort' family, Lucy. Yes, it is a bit confusing!
DeleteI'm going to add that in the opening paragraph; it was a good point you brought up. Why one of them smells like Anise, I have no idea. Nature can be weird sometimes;-)
DeleteVery pretty! Your native species is quite similar to ours, which is Asarum caudatum. Apparently it grows wild in this area, although I haven't found it growing on the property. I certainly might consider planting some though, especially in the more shady areas, as I love the foliage.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful plants! I do not have any of that growing in my garden, however there may be some in the adjacent woods. I would like to try growing some...seems like an attractive and very useful plant...and native!
ReplyDeleteThe Wild Ginger is up here, too, although I haven't seen the blooms yet. Thanks for explaining how to look for the flowers!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet little plants. So nice that they spread for you too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
Dear Jan, I tried this beauty once but it could not survive my thuggish garden. Good luck with yours . . . may they accumulate into a large cover of community. Happy Belated Spring to you. Carol
ReplyDeleteHoping to see my ginger return...maybe once it is warmer here
ReplyDelete