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Herbs & Plants

Asarum arifolium

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Botanical Name: Asarum arifolium
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Genus: Asarum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Piperales

Synonyms: A. grandiflorum.
Common Name: Arrow-leaf Wild Ginger

Habitat : Asarum arifolium is native to South-eastern N. AmericaVirginia to Louisiana. It grows on upland deciduous and mixed deciduous-conifer forests from sea level to 600 metres.
Description:
Asarum arifolium is an evergreen Perennial plant. The arrowhead-shaped, anise-scented leaves are shiny dark green, highlighted with silver veining. In early spring, 8″ tall x 1′ wide evergreen clumps adorned with dark purple flowers appear at the leaf base. This easy-to-grow woodland gem is a must for the shade garden.

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It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Cultivation:
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies. The root has a pungent, aromatic smell like mild pepper and ginger mixed, but more strongly aromatic. Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 – 4 or more weeks at 18°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.
Medicinal Uses:The root is stomachic.

Other Uses : An essential oil obtained from the plant has the odour of sassafras[

Known Hazards: Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Asarum+arifolium
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asarum
Asarum arifolium

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