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Herbaceous Perennial

Asarum caudatum

tailed snakeroot

A low-growing, spreading evergreen perennial with glossy, heart shaped green leaves which release a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed. In late spring to early summer small red-brown cup shaped flowers are produced, often beneath the foliage.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Aristolochiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Asarum are evergreen or deciduous, rhizomatous perennials forming a mat of long-stalked, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves, sometimes with attractive silver mottling, and curious flowers consisteng of a 3-lobed calyx, often in "earthy" colours. They are commonly referred to as wild gingers (they are not culinary gingers) but are so-called because their rhizomes have a similar spicy scent

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Canada to W USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown on neutral to acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade.

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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