Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild Ginger is an attractive, low-growing ground cover for the shade. It is nice because it is also deer-resistant and unlike many early spring woodland plants, it will keep its foliage throughout the season. It does have an attractive dark red flower that appears under the plant in early spring, but it fades quickly. Another important role Wild Ginger plays is that it can help create what is known as a soft landing, which is critical to the life cycle of the caterpillars that feed those birds.