Wild ginger is used as a lovely ground cover as it spreads readily across shaded and dapple shaded woodland areas. It prefers loose, moist soil and does not do well in heavy clay soil. So only consider this plant if you have the correct environment for it to thrive in. This plant is difficult to propagate from seed so it is best grown from divisions/starts. This plant is easily identified from the dense growing habit and 6 inch heart shaped leaves. In the early spring, it produces beautiful red flowers that can be found underneath the leaves. These low lying flowers are believed to be pollinated by ants. Unlike other understory spring plants that disappear in midsummer, wild ginger will stay green all summer long so it is a good choice for ground cover. It is best to divide this plant in the early spring or late fall before it goes dormant.
This plant is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly so be sure to check for caterpillars later in the summer.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
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Plant in a shady area with well drained, loamy soil. This plant does NOT do well in heavy clay.
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Leave 8 inches on either side of the plant to allow for growth
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Once the plants become established, they will fill in a space and produce a dense ground cover.
Wide view of an established wild ginger patch.