European wild ginger Asarum europaeum
ABOUT
Asarum europaeum is more commonly known as European wild ginger. This plant is characterized by its lush, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that have a glossy appearance. The leaves often have a leathery texture and can have a slight marbling of lighter green or silver. European wild ginger typically grows as a low-lying ground cover with a spreading habit, giving it an ability to form a dense mat across the soil. One of the most distinctive features of European wild ginger is its flowers. The flowers are unique, appearing in early spring and often hidden beneath the foliage. They are brownish-purple to greenish in color, with a jug-like shape and three-pointed lobes at the opening. These peculiar flowers are bell-shaped and give off a slight earthy fragrance. However, the blooms are generally inconspicuous, as they nestle close to the ground and are sometimes completely obscured by the heart-shaped leaves. The roots of European wild ginger have a spicy fragrance when crushed, reminiscent of culinary ginger, though the plant is not related to true ginger and should not be consumed. These roots creep horizontally beneath the soil surface and allow the plant to spread. In summary, European wild ginger is a decorative perennial known for its beautiful heart-shaped foliage and its subtle, hidden flowers. It provides lush, evergreen ground cover in shaded garden areas where it is valued for its attractive foliage and its ability to thrive in low light.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
European Wild Ginger, Asarabacca, Hazelwort, Wild Spikenard.
Common names
Asarum vulgare, Asarum renifolium, Asarium europaeum, Hexastylis europaea.
ToxicityTo humans
European wild ginger contains aristolochic acids which can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. In humans, ingestion of these acids can cause damage to the kidneys and might even lead to kidney failure. Furthermore, aristolochic acids have been linked to cancer, particularly cancer of the urinary tract. The symptoms of poisoning from European wild ginger may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure or consumption can be much more serious, resulting in long-term health issues.
To pets
European wild ginger is also toxic to pets due to the presence of aristolochic acids. In pets, ingesting parts of this plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and can potentially lead to kidney damage or kidney failure if ingested in large amounts. Chronic exposure to these toxins may increase the risk of cancer in pets as well. It is crucial to prevent pets from consuming any part of the European wild ginger plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Reddish
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground Cover: Asarum europaeum, commonly known as European wild ginger, serves as an effective ground cover due to its low-growing, spreading nature.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant offers aesthetic value to gardens with its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and sometimes hidden, bell-shaped flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: European wild ginger is well-suited for shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it a good choice for woodland gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
- Soil Conservation: Its dense foliage and mat-forming habit help prevent soil erosion, particularly in shaded and sloped areas.
- Drought Resistance: Asarum europaeum is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less water availability.
- Wildlife Habitat: The low-lying foliage provides shelter for small ground-dwelling creatures and insects.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Historically used for pain relief.
- Antispasmodic: May help relieve muscle spasms.
- Diaphoretic: Can induce sweating.
- Emmenagogue: Traditionally used to stimulate menstrual flow.
- Sedative: Has been used to help induce relaxation and sleep.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a ground cover: Asarum europaeum, commonly known as European wild ginger, is often used in shady garden areas as an attractive ground cover due to its glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
- Insect repellent: The strong scent of European wild ginger can deter insects, making it a natural choice to plant in gardens to keep pests away.
- Aromatic oil: The roots of European wild ginger are sometimes distilled to produce an aromatic oil that can be used in perfumery.
- Decoration in terrariums: Its low-growing habit and shade tolerance make it an excellent addition to terrarium landscapes, providing a lush, green backdrop.
- Flavoring agent in food: Although not common, the plant has been traditionally used to add flavor to food, reminiscent of its distant relative, culinary ginger.
- As a companion plant: European wild ginger can be planted alongside other shade-loving plants, helping to create a full and diverse plant community in woodland gardens.
- Foliage for floral arrangements: The leaves of European wild ginger are sometimes used in floral arrangements for their greenery and subtle texture.
- Garden border plant: Its compact growth makes it suitable for use as a border plant in shady garden beds, providing a natural edge along pathways or plant beds.
- Textile dye: Historically, the roots of the plant may have been used to obtain a dye for coloring textiles.
- Conservation plantings: Asarum europaeum is native to woodlands and can be used in conservation plantings to help stabilize soil and maintain the integrity of forest habitats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European wild ginger is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European wild ginger is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Asarum europaeum, commonly known as European wild ginger, is often associated with protection due to its hardy nature and the way it covers the ground, which was believed to guard against evil and bad luck.
- Grounding: Reflecting its low-growing habit, European wild ginger symbolizes staying grounded and connected to one's roots or foundation.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, European wild ginger signifies healing and the soothing of ailments, echoing its historical use in herbal medicine.
- Concealment: Due to its dense foliage and the way it grows hidden under larger plants, European wild ginger can represent things that are hidden or secrets.
WaterThe European wild ginger, or Asarum europaeum, prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, providing around one gallon of water weekly during the growing season ensures adequate moisture, but this can vary depending on climate and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, whereas in cooler or rainy periods, less water is required. It's important to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot. Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering to adjust the amount as needed.
LightEuropean wild ginger thrives in partial to full shade, making it well-suited for spots under trees or on the north side of buildings where direct sunlight is limited. It is ideal for woodland gardens or areas that mimic their natural understory habitat. Avoid placing it in full sun, as the foliage can get scorched by intense sunlight.
TemperatureEuropean wild ginger is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 20°F to 80°F, but it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It should not be exposed to extreme heat or frost for extended periods, and if planted in an area with harsh winters, it may benefit from a layer of mulch to protect the rhizomes from freezing temperatures.
PruningEuropean wild ginger does not require regular pruning, but any damaged or yellowing leaves should be removed to keep the plant healthy and visually appealing. The best time for pruning is in the spring before new growth starts. This will help maintain the plant's vigor and prevent any potential disease from spreading.
CleaningNot needed
SoilEuropean wild ginger prefers a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost or leaf mold, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingEuropean wild ginger does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a slow grower; repotting every 2-3 years should suffice, or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingEuropean wild ginger thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%, which reflects its natural understory habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor cultivation of European wild ginger, provide shade, cool temperatures, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Grow European wild ginger outdoors in shaded areas with humus-rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAsarum europaeum, commonly known as European wild ginger, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. After stratification, the seed germinates in spring, developing a radicle that grows into a root system and a shoot that emerges above the soil. The shoot develops into a heart-shaped leaf, and as the plant matures, it forms a rhizome from which additional leaves and shoots can grow. European wild ginger is a perennial and can live for many years, slowly expanding into larger clumps through its rhizomes. This plant rarely flowers, but when it does, the flowers are inconspicuous, located close to the ground, and pollinated by ground-dwelling insects. The pollinated flowers eventually produce seed capsules that, when mature, open to release seeds and start the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: European wild ginger, Asarum europaeum, is most commonly propagated through division, which is ideally done in the spring. To propagate by division, first carefully dig up the plant ensuring that you keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the rhizomes, making sure that each division has at least one growth bud. Plant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before and water them in well. It is important to maintain consistently moist soil as the divisions establish themselves. Dividing these plants every few years also helps rejuvenate and maintain the vigor of the plantings. This method allows gardeners to create new plants quickly and efficiently, which is why it is favored for propagation of European wild ginger.
