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English ivy and Wild ginger: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE English ivy Hedera helix	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Wild ginger Asarum canadense
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Europe to western Russia	Eastern North AmericaSee state guides
Sunlight
Sun to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Average moisture / Moist to wet
Mature height
20–80 ft when climbing; low as groundcover	6–12 in
Mature spread
3–50 ft	spreading
USDA hardiness zones
4–13	4–6
Season of interest
Evergreen foliage	Spring
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile.	Broad native leaves protect woodland soil, while its hidden flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles.
Growing notes
A vigorous climbing vine that can cover trees and suppress woodland seedlings.	Spreads slowly into a carpet in rich soil. This is not culinary ginger.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.