Wild Ginger, Asarum Caudatum

Day 274 (Double Feature!): Acting on reliable advice from a good friend and colleague, I headed up the Shriner Peak trail today in search of a very elusive wildflower, Wild Ginger. This unusual plant's even more unusual blossom hides beneath leaves which resemble those of several other species, leaving it to be passed over by casual observers as something unremarkable. Those who are in the know watch for a particular texture in the heart-shaped leaves and look for hairy stems. Even after the plant itself has been discovered, the search for blossoms is often a painstaking task, moving aside leaves to look beneath them. In shadow, the flower is difficult to see and often lays close to the ground.

When the blossom first begins to open, the three long filaments projecting from the tips of the petals are anchored at the center of the flower. As the plant matures, they break free to form the long tails shown here. Although it is not a true Ginger, the leaves and roots give off a decidedly gingery odor and may be used as a substitute for culinary ginger. However, given the scarcity of the species in local areas, I would strongly advise against collecting. Simply appreciate the rare beauty of this plant in the wild...if you're clever enough to spot it!