1 / 2

Key characteristics

Family: Aristolochiaceae
Height: 3 to 5 in
Width: 6 to 12 in
Flower color: Reddish-brown, cup-shaped flowers often hidden beneath the foliage
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, heart-shaped evergreen leaves forming a dense groundcover
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; evergreen foliage requires little care, remove damaged or old leaves in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Ground-foraging bees and small pollinators

Groundcovers

Asarum europaeum

European Wild Ginger

Asarum europaeum is a low-growing evergreen perennial valued for its dense, glossy foliage and quiet woodland character. The rounded, heart-shaped leaves are deep green with a leathery texture, forming a continuous carpet that remains attractive year-round. In early to mid spring, small bell-shaped flowers appear close to the ground, colored rich brown to maroon and often hidden beneath the foliage.

Native to the shaded forests of central and southern Europe, this plant excels as a groundcover beneath trees and shrubs.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Borders
Deer-Prone Areas

Companion plants

Hellebores · Ferns · Hostas · Epimediums · Trilliums · Brunneras

Design tip

Use this evergreen groundcover to establish a calm, uniform backdrop beneath specimen shrubs or small ornamental trees. Its consistent foliage texture helps showcase seasonal flowers and colorful foliage while giving shaded gardens a more refined, cohesive appearance.