Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

Birthwort Family --- Aristolochiaceae

Leaves up to 6 inches long, heart-shaped and hairy (especially the long, thick leaf stalks). Although not related to the true ginger plant (Zingiber officianale; Zingiberaceae), the rhizome of wild ginger smells and tastes like ginger. (Photographed at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden -  May 8, 2002)

In spring, this low growing herb (6 to 12 inches tall) has a single, 3-lobed, reddish-brown, cup-like flower (about 1inch wide) arising from the point where the pair of leaves join.

� Pathology Images Inc. 2001 to  2002