Asarum marmoratum
Marbled wild-ginger, marbled wild-ginger, marbled wild-ginger
(c) John Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Aristolochiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Asarum marmoratum (Marbled wild-ginger) is a native California herb in the Aristolochiaceae family, recognized by olive-brown erect calyx lobes and dark red-maroon tube interior.
Marbled wild-ginger is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in northern Del Norte and Siskiyou counties in the Klamath Ranges, growing in moist forests and exposed rocky slopes at elevations of 200 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces olive-brown flowers with dark red-maroon tube interiors marked by scattered dark hairs. Growing in dense clumps with deep, nearly vertical rhizomes, it develops stems that support distinctive leaves with striking white markings along the major veins. Its leaf blades are predominantly green with margins bearing erect-spreading hairs, creating a marbled appearance that gives the plant its distinctive character. The flowers emerge on nearly erect peduncles, with calyx lobes standing upright and revealing an intricate internal coloration.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by olive-brown erect calyx lobes and dark red-maroon tube interior
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist forest, exposed rocky slopes
Elevation: 200-1800 m
California counties: Del Norte, Shasta, Siskiyou
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Asarum marmoratum blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Viola: Asarum flowers are dark cup-shaped jugs hidden under leaves; violet flowers are raised on stalks with distinct petals.; vs Hedera: Asarum has heart-shaped leaves flat on ground with hidden flowers; ivy has lobed leaves climbing upward.; vs Maianthemum: Asarum has large heart-shaped leaves with single hidden flowers; false Solomon's seal has smaller alternate leaves and white flower clusters.; vs Cyclamen: Asarum flowers are dark cups hidden under leaves; cyclamen flowers are bright pink/white with swept-back petals on tall stalks.; vs Cardamine: Asarum has large heart-shaped leaves with dark hidden flowers; bittercress has compound leaves and white/pink flowers on upright stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Asarum marmoratum native to California?
Yes. Asarum marmoratum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Asarum marmoratum bloom?
Asarum marmoratum blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Asarum marmoratum grow?
Asarum marmoratum occurs in Del Norte, Shasta, Siskiyou, at elevations of 200-1800 m.
What plant family does Asarum marmoratum belong to?
Asarum marmoratum is in the Aristolochiaceae family, genus Asarum.
Is Asarum marmoratum rare or endangered?
Asarum marmoratum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.