Western Wild Ginger is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover from moist forests in western North America. It has shiny, heart-shaped dark green leaves that smell spicy-“ginger” when crushed. In late spring to early summer, hidden beneath the foliage, it produces unusual reddish-brown, cup-shaped flowers with three long “tail-like” lobes. Over time it spreads by underground roots (rhizomes) to form a lush carpet in shaded woodland spots.
Western Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)
•Great for shady woodland gardens—fills in ground space under trees and shrubs, suppressing weeds. 
•Deer-resistant thanks to its texture and flavor; slug/snail damage can occur but often manageable. 
•Helps with soil stabilization (via rhizomes) and adds layered structure, improving habitat for understory wildlife.