Wild Ginger - Gorgeous Native Plant

Wild Ginger - Asarum canadense - is a gorgeous native wildflower which is in bloom right now in the Western Pennsylvania woods.

Each Wild Ginger plant has two heart or kidney shaped leaves, with a small maroon flower between the leaves, lying low to the ground.

As well as being a gorgeous spring plant and wildflower, Wild Ginger is edible and medicinal. Although it is unrelated botanically to its namesake, Ginger (Zingiber officinale), the settlers named this plant after it because of its similar taste and properties. The root can be eaten and has a ginger flavor. Some like to cook it in a little maple syrup to make candied ginger roots. 

The root can be used medicinally to settle one's stomach and treat colic. It can also bring on one's menses (similar to ginger/zingiber.)

Since it is a native plant, I leave it undisturbed.

If you're out looking for morel mushrooms, you'll likely come across a patch or two of wild ginger!

May Issue of Food Under Foot Magazine is Available!

 The gorgeous May issue of our Food Under Foot full-color, digital magazine is out!

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Thanks so much!

Melissa