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Asarum europaeum Family: Aristolochiaceae Common name: European wild ginger; hazelwort; wild |
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Description: An evergreen perennial with a slowly spreading, ground-covering habit. Rounded, kidney-shaped, bright green, glossy leaves show their distinctive veining. Leaf stems are covered in very fine, soft hairs. Bell-shaped, brownish-dull purple flowers appear in mid-spring. Look for them laying atop the soil, hidden under the leaves.
Special Notes: Native to Europe. This is a wonderful ground-cover plant but is slow to establish. Be patient. Roots are sometimes harvested for use as a spice or flavouring. Long ago the crushed leaves were used in snuff. Relatively pest- and disease-free. Rust and leaf gall may be a problem in some climates. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagate by fresh seed; divide in early spring or autumn. Will self-sow.
RHS Award of Garden Merit 2007; Great Plant Pick 2011
Posted on April 18, 2013 |
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