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Accession Data:

Asarum virginicum L.

  • subg. Heterotropa sect. Hexastylis

  • Common Name: Wild Ginger, Virginia Heartleaf
  • Family: Aristolochiaceae Juss.

  • Country of Origin: Va, SC, Tenn.

  • Description: An evergreen herb that does best in wild shaded gardens with rich, moist soil. It is found in Virginia south to Tenn. and S. Carolina.
  • Uses: Asarum Virginicum is also known as Wild Ginger. In Cherokee Nation traditions of plant usage, wild ginger is taken as an aid the digestive system with problems of an upset stomach, colic, gas and cleansing of intestines. The roots are traditionally used in a hot infusion to help eliminate mucous from the lungs.

    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
  • USDA Zone: 5a-9b

Accession Data:

  • Accession # 198501332
  • Source: Unknown
  • Accession Date: 12-31-1985
  • Bench: 2308 - Nearctic
    • Currently: active - healthy
    • Qty: 2 confirmed on 05-06-2025

Classification:

  • Division: Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • SubClass: magnoliids
  • Order: Piperales
  • SubOrder:
  • Family: Aristolochiaceae
  • SubFamily: Asaroideae
  • Tribe: Sarumeae
  • SubTribe:

Flowering Data:

This accession has been observed in bloom on:
YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005

References (internal):

  • Basal Angiosperms (paleodicots)
  • EEB 3271 - Systematic Botany
  • Medicinal Plants - Digestive System
  • Medicinal Plants - Respiratory System

References (external):

  1. USDA PLANTS database
  2. The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Last accessed on Monday, April 16, 2018.
  3. Cherokee Medicinal Herbs Last accessed on Friday, April 06, 2018.

data regenerated on Tue, 06 May 2025 15:45:02 -0400 [bcm v4.0]

Images:

No default accession image assigned

Additional images for this accession:

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

Current Accessions in the Aristolochiaceae

Subfamily Aristolchioideae
Tribe Aristolochieae

  • Aristolochia arborea
  • Aristolochia californica
  • Aristolochia chilensis
  • Aristolochia fimbriata
  • Aristolochia gigantea
  • Aristolochia littoralis
  • Aristolochia ringens

Subfamily Asaroideae
Tribe Sarumeae

  • Asarum arifolium W/C
  • Asarum virginicum
W/C = Wild Collected
= indicates flowering in past 14 days
= images available for this accession
= map available for this accession
= accession added within past 90 days
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