White Flower Farm
Asarum canadense
Best shade-loving groundcover for woodland gardeners seeking deer-resistant foliage.
Asarum canadense, commonly known as Canada Wild Ginger, is a highly valued native plant for creating dense ground cover in shaded woodland gardens. It features handsome, blue-green, heart-shaped leaves that provide excellent foliage interest. While the curious, bell-shaped flowers are insignificant, the plant excels as a shade-tolerant groundcover, spreading eventually by rhizomes. It thrives in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil and offers evergreen leaves in many climates, though winter protection may be needed in colder zones to prevent burn. This plant is an essential ingredient for gardeners seeking reliable texture and deep green coverage beneath trees and shrubs.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
758
/ 2989
#758 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
lifespan
perennial
/ perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance groundcover for dark, shaded corners
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
- Landscapers prioritizing consistent, textural foliage throughout the growing season
Who should skip it
- People with dry, sandy, or poorly irrigated garden sites
- Propagators looking for plants that are easy to divide
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-coverage results
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in deep woodland shade where most flowering plants struggle.
Ground Cover Density
Forms a lush, weed-suppressing carpet through steady rhizomatous growth.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by browsing deer, protecting your garden investment.
Foliage Appeal
Heart-shaped leaves offer sophisticated texture and year-round visual interest.
Establishment Ease
Requires consistent moisture initially but settles into a low-maintenance perennial.
Winter Hardiness
Evergreen foliage persists in mild zones but requires protection in cold.
Key Specs
lifespan
perennial
growth_habit
spreading
root_system
rhizomatous
water_needs
medium
soil_drainage
moist
mature_height
6 inches
planting_spacing
8-12 inches
evergreen
true
Features
- Handsome, heart-shaped foliage provides excellent texture in shade gardens.
- Forms a dense ground cover that spreads slowly by rhizomes.
- Native plant variety well-suited for woodland garden settings.
- Leaves are evergreen, offering winter interest in milder climates.
- Deer find this plant unappetizing.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Asarum canadense plants received from White Flower Farm. Reviewers frequently note the robust size and health of the root systems, which translates directly into reliable establishment even in challenging shaded environments. While the price point is premium, the consensus is that the superior plant stock minimizes transplant shock and ensures successful growth, making the investment worthwhile for serious gardeners seeking dependable results.
Know before you buy
Yes, it spreads via rhizomes to form a dense, carpet-like ground cover. While it is a reliable grower, it spreads at a moderate pace, making it easy to manage in woodland garden beds.
Canada Wild Ginger is specifically adapted to shade. It will struggle or scorch in direct sun, so it is best reserved for areas under tree canopies or on the north side of buildings.
No, deer generally find Asarum canadense unappetizing. It is an excellent choice for gardeners dealing with heavy deer pressure in shaded areas.
The leaves are evergreen in milder climates, but they may die back or suffer winter burn in colder zones. In harsher winters, a light layer of mulch can help protect the foliage.
For the best results, space your plants 8 to 12 inches apart. This allows them enough room to establish while eventually knitting together into a uniform, dense mat.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18