Asarum sp.
Wild-ginger, Wild-Ginger
Family: Aristolochiaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Asarum sp. (Wild-ginger) is a non-native California perennial in the Aristolochiaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Asarum sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Asarum sp. belong to?
Asarum sp. is in the Aristolochiaceae family, genus Asarum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.