Wild Ginger / Asarum virginianum
Artist
Elizabeth (Bessie) Murray Tyler
(American, 1892 - 1980)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1934
MediumWatercolor and graphite
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/8 x 6 13/16 in. (20.6 x 17.3 cm)
Overall, Mat: 14 1/4 x 19 1/4 in. (36.2 x 48.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 14 1/4 x 19 1/4 in. (36.2 x 48.9 cm)
SignedSigned at lower right; dated July 14.
InscribedFound from February to June from New Brunswick to North Carolina in rich woods soil. The odd flowers snuggle closely to the earth and are sheltered by their own velvety leaves. It requires a close look to find their somewhat bell-shaped brownish-purple blossom. All parts of the plant emit an aromatic fragrance suggesting ginger when bruised. The roots yield a volatile oil used in perfumery. Leaves are heart-shaped, strongly ribbed, spotted, and stained with purple. [edited transcription]
Credit LineMuseum collection
Object number41.45.5
Not on view
DescriptionPart of the Tidewater Wildflowers series, done as a WPA Project. Watercolor depicting Wild Ginger Virginia or Colts Foot.Label TextWild Ginger / Asarum virginianum, ca. 1934 Watercolor and graphite Found from February to June from New Brunswick to North Carolina in rich woods soil. The odd flowers snuggle closely to the earth and are sheltered by their own velvety leaves. It requires a close look to find their somewhat bell-shaped brownish-purple blossom. All parts of the plant emit an aromatic fragrance suggesting ginger when bruised. The roots yield a volatile oil used in perfumery. Leaves are heart-shaped, strongly ribbed, spotted, and stained with purple. Museum collection 41.45.5 Exhibition HistoryShown at June 1970 meeting of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Garden Club by (Mrs. John) Virginia Tyler Webster, Horticulture Chairman. "Tidewater Wildflowers: Watercolors by Bessie Tyler," Willoughby-Baylor House, Norfolk, VA, April 16, 2015 - March 6, 2016.
Elizabeth (Bessie) Murray Tyler
ca. 1934
