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 +