Asarum canadense

This is a first-rate groundcover plant for shady areas, native to the woodlands of Eastern North America. It forms a solid patch of downy green kidney-shaped leaves, with ground-hugging brown flowers hiding beneath. Takes a couple of years to settle into place, then begins to go a great job of colonizing. Deciduous in winter. Combines well with Hosta or ferns in a moist woodland setting. This is more vigorous than the European Wild Ginger but is easy to control and not considered invasive. Clumps may be divided in the spring or early autumn.