Native ginger is found in the moist shady woods of eastern north America from Manitoba to North Carolina. Although it is not a member of the ginger family, early settlers used the root as ginger substitute as it has a scent reminiscent of ginger.

Cup-shaped purple flowers marked with paler colors within the cup are virtually hidden by glossy heart-shaped leaves. Native ginger grows to about a foot tall and 18 inches wide and spreads slowly by rhizome. It requires at least part shade, will tolerate full shade, and also requires consistently moist soil. This is a wonderful native ground cover for shady wet locations and is suitable for woodland gardens, native gardens, shade gardens and any area which appears mossy.