Asarum caudatum - Lindl.
Wild Ginger, British Columbia wildginger
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Asarum caudatum - Lindl..
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Asarum caudatum in flower.
Robert Flogaus-Faust / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Asarum caudatum RF.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
The underside of an Asarum caudatum leaf.
John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:E20161202-0002—Asarum caudatum (reverse)—RPBG (30601146874).jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
5 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- British Columbia wildginger
- Wild Ginger
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- hazelwortel
- Mansoor
- French
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- Asaret queue-de-rat
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Kew's family placement for the genus Asarum (WCVP v16).
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral
Shade
Uses
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Description
The root of this plant can be used as a substitute for ginger. It has a sharp, aromatic scent that resembles a mix of mild pepper and ginger, but is slightly more intense. The root can be harvested year-round, but is best in the fall. Additionally, the root can be dried for later use. The leaves can serve as a substitute for tea.
Harvest
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
Relevant sections
- Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Asarum caudatum Lindl., name ID 2654279, row 1314559
- Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 720762; name ID 2654248; Asarum L.. Family column.
Source checked on .
Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.