Asarum caudatum
tailed snakeroot
A low-growing, spreading evergreen perennial with glossy, heart shaped green leaves which release a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed. In late spring to early summer small red-brown cup shaped flowers are produced, often beneath the foliage.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Asarum are evergreen or deciduous, rhizomatous perennials forming a mat of long-stalked, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves, sometimes with attractive silver mottling, and curious flowers consisteng of a 3-lobed calyx, often in "earthy" colours. They are commonly referred to as wild gingers (they are not culinary gingers) but are so-called because their rhizomes have a similar spicy scent
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Canada to W USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown on neutral to acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade.
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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