Asarum hartwegii
Sierra Wild Ginger
5-7
California and Oregon - United States

 
 
 
 
Evergreen leaves are kidney-shaped, about 5 inches wide, marked with silver along the veins
 
 
 
 
Wild Ginger and European Evergreen Ginger are not related to the culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale) of tropical origin. Their names refer to the spicy fragrance of the freshly cut or crushed rhizomes and leaves.

Early settlers were fond of this plant because it had a flavor similar to the Old World Ginger. The stems were dried and pulverized and used for spice, or sometimes boiled with sugar to make a candied spice.

 

 
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