Asarum weediness etc.

James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com
Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:54:10 PDT
Dear PBS ers,
	It is pretty fascinating to read the variable 'appreciations' 
for Asarum species.

	Here Asarum europeum behaves similar to what Boyce tells. 
Lasts a few years and then adieu and bon voyage.

	A. canadense is native in the woods and forms a ground cover, 
but it is more behaved in my drier shaded garden areas. I can pull it 
out if needed, but it rarely over takes anything.

	Surprised no one has compared the wealth of Chinese and 
Japanese species that have come into cultivation in the last decade 
or so. I wish A. superbum was hardy here, but no way and a few 
Japanese species have also withered away some almost instantly and 
others more gradually. The only Asian species I have had any long 
term success with is A. forbesii a species little grown by the 
afficiandos of the genus. It has completely deciduous foliage and 
nice waxy/leathery leaves in spring. Flowers are modest and I have 
observed no seedlings. It has persisted for years and gradually 
spreads although I usually have to dig and divide a bit to encourage 
it.

	Slightly off key is the genus Saruma, an anagram of Asarum 
and the single species S. henryi is a delight with bright yellow 
flowers a bit more seeding around and nice manners all round. It too 
is a reliable hardy addition to the shade garden.

	Yes a limited palette, but these are both winners in my eyes. 
		Best	Jim W.

-- 
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
	Summer 100F +


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