Practical
Plants

Asarum reflexum

a perennial member of the Asarum genus in the family Aristolochiaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Asarum
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.15 m
Fertility
Flies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Flies

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[10][5]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The underground stem is a ginger substitute. The root has a pungent, aromatic smell like mild pepper and ginger mixed, but more strongly aromatic[8]. It is usually harvested in the autumn[3][4] and can be dried for later use[K].

Product or use
Condiment

Environment

Range
Eastern N. America - Connecticut and New York to Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Kansas.
Habitat
Rich moist soils in woodlands, along the sides of streams and in river valleys, often forming large patches[9][3][7].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[2]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[2]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[2]. 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[6]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[1][6]. Plants are found on alkaline soils in the wild[9]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[6]. The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies[6]. Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. McPherson. A. and S. Wild Food Plants of Indiana. Indiana University Press 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-253-28925-4

    ↩1↩2

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  5. Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  7. Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970-00-00 ISBN 0-486-22642-5

    ↩

  8. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  9. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩

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