A native of North America, growing, according to
Pursh, in shady rocky situations, from Canada to
Carolina; “ the root is highly aromatic, and known by
the inhabitants of those countries by the name of
Wild Ginger.” With us it is quite hardy, producing
its curious flowers in May, and thriving well in a
light sandy soil, in a shady situation ; this makes it the
more desirable, as it will thrive where many other
plants will not; its branches are short, but have an
inclination to spread; the leaves are large, and the
footstalks densely clothed with long villous hairs; this
is not represented in Mr. Loddiges’ figure.
Our drawing was taken from a plant that we received
from the Nursery of Messrs. Whitley, Brames, and
Milne, in May last. It is readily increased by dividing
at the root.
1. One of the segments of the Perianthium. 2. The 12 Stamens spread
open, to show their insertion, every other one longest. 3. The large 6 cleft
Stigma.
