wild ginger
Entry Type:
SpeciesScientific Name:
Common Name:
wild gingerMyaamia Name:
Harvest Seasons:
Fall, SpringHabitats:
Oak Forest including Oak-Hickory, Beech-Oak-Maple Mixed Mesophytic, Dry Prairie grasslands, Conifer Shrubland and Forest
Media ▼
| Media(Image/Video) | Description |
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Early spring leaves of wild ginger. Liberty, IN |
Myaamia Archival Sources ▼
| Reference Source | Reference Type | Archival Data | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous 1724 | Use - Medicinal | "The root of ginger crushed in powder for putting a stop to the pains of a woman in childbirth" ("De la Racine de Gingembre pile en poudre pour Empecher le Cranchez a un femme dans l'enfantement"). |
The author is describing tribal customs from the upper Midwest, probably including some of the Miami-Illinois tribal groups. – Michael Gonella |
| Olds, J., Olds, D. and D. Tippman 1999 | Use - Food | Wild ginger is used for seasoning. |
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| Gonella, M.P 2003-2006 | Use - Food/Medicinal | "Roots are harvested, ground and used as a spice or chewed to alleviate motion sickness. You can cook roots with honey to make candy. Thick and fine roots all have good taste and scent. You can dry and store in frig." "I usually get most of mine in the fall, but I have harvested it whenever I need it. I wash it and then dry it. I wait to grate it until it is needed to flavor foods. I have also candied it. I simmer it in maple syrup until it is pliable. We have done it in white sugar too, I like the maple syrup better. We have done it in honey too. You just add it to the sweet liquid and add a little water, then simmer it until the ginger is pliable. The candied ginger is the best for upset tummies and sweet tooths!". "Roots don't get much bigger than about 1/4" diameter". |
Botanical Sources ▼
| Reference Source | Reference Type | Data | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gleason, H.A. and Cronquist, A. 1991 | Habitat | Occurs in rich woods, in colonies, in eastern and western Myaamia lands. |