Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense

• Flower: Purple-brown with 3 sepals forming pointed lobes, joining in cup-shape below (no true petals), 1 1/2".
• Leaves: Basal pairs, large, hairy, entire and heart-shaped, each 3-6" wide, overshadowing the flower.
• Height: Height: 6-12".
• Habitat: Rich woods.
• Blooms: April-May.

Hiding under the low leaves at ground level, the flower is on a short hairy stalk in the crotch between 2 leafstalks. Vaieties have been named; shown here is reflexum, identified by the abrupt narrowing of the tips of the flower. lobes. The root of this spring flower has a strong ginger-like odor and was used by pioneers as a flavoring.