Wild Ginger

This handsome plant is one that creates a striking groundcover at the base of tall trees in woodland gardens, since the large heart-shaped leaves create a low, solid, dark green carpet. The flowers are curious, nodding under the leaves with three reddish-brownish triangular petals. Like many other plants with attractive leaves, this famous wildflower is grown almost exclusively for its decorative foliage. As for the common name, this eastern woodland plant is no relation to the culinary gingers, which are tropical plants. Wild ginger spreads somewhat rapidly and is a favorite feature in fine, shaded wildflower collections, often used as a contrast companion plant for more showy species such as Trilliums and violets.