Asarum caudatum Lindl. Aristolochiaceae. British Columbia wild ginger. Asarum is the Latin name for wild ginger

caudatum means 'with a tail' referring to the tails on the petals. Rhizomatous perennial herb. Distribution: Western USA, British Columbia to California. Not described until 1831 so no historical uses noted. May have been used instead of widely in North America instead of Asarum canadense when latter not available. In Canada A. canadense used root for heart complaints. The Menomini, Meskwaki, Ojibwa and Potawatomi used the root as a seasoning to make food palatable. Used for throat, stomach, lung problems and earache (Austin, 2004). Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.