European wild-ginger | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Pipevine
Family (botanic) Aristolochiaceae
Tree or plant type Ground cover, Perennial
Native locale Non-native
Size range Small plant (6-12 inches)
Light exposure Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Wet sites
Season of interest early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous, Other
Shape or form Creeping
Growth rate Moderate

Size and Method of spreading:

European wild-ginger is a relatively short plant, usually staying under 6 to 8 inches high. It is a colonizing ground cover. Colonizing ground covers produce underground stems that spread out horizontally and shallowly, produce roots and then send up new shoots. These plants are strong growers and may have the potential to grow aggressively.

Native geographic location and habitat:

This plant is native to wooded areas in southern Europe.

Leaf description:

The leaves arise from the base of the plant (basal). They are heart-shaped with entire margins. In mild winters, the foliage may be semi-evergreen.

Flower description:

Flowers of wild-ginger are often overlooked as they are held below the foliage and are brownish-purple in color. The small flowers are produced in spring and have three triangular sepals that curl backward.