Aristolochiaceae FAMILY

Asarum caudatum

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[ 7 Title Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. Publication Author Chiej. R. Publisher MacDonald Year 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5 Description Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs. , 19 Title Poisonous Plants. Publication Author Stary. F. Publisher Hamlyn Year 1983 ISBN 0-600-35666-3 Description Not very comprehensive, but easy reading. ]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Botanical Description

Asarum caudatum is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 20cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The plant can spread at the roots to form fairly large colonies. The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. , 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. The plant is harbested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeWestern N. America - British Columbia to Montana, south to California

HabitatDeep shade in moist pine woods and redwood forests[ 60 Title Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. Publication Author Hitchcock. C. L. Publisher University of Washington Press Year 1955 ISBN - Description A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader. , 187 Title Perennials. Volumes 1 and 2. Publication Author Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Publisher Pan Books Year 1991 ISBN 0-330-30936-9 Description Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc. ]. Understory of conifer forests, usually in mesic or wet places; at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres and occasionally to 2,200 metres[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ].