European wild ginger
Asarum europaeum
European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers dappled sun to deep shade. Eastern deciduous-forest understory plant. Struggles in our dry plains air; needs amended acidic soil, consistent moisture, and deep shade. Best success: amended raised beds under conifers.
On the CSU listmedium water4–6 in tall and 8–12 in wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Asarum europaeum
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–6 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in dappled sun; tolerates deep shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using European wild ginger as a groundcover
European wild ginger spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European wild ginger good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European wild ginger is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does European wild ginger get?
- It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant European wild ginger?
- Space European wild ginger about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is European wild ginger hardy on the Front Range?
- European wild ginger is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European wild ginger need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is European wild ginger native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is European wild ginger deer-resistant?
- European wild ginger is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is European wild ginger a good firewise plant near the house?
- European wild ginger is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on European wild ginger?
- European wild ginger isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can European wild ginger replace a lawn?
- Yes, European wild ginger works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will European wild ginger spread or stay put?
- European wild ginger is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does European wild ginger stay green in winter?
- European wild ginger holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
