They spread easily and have an unpleasant smell to them. I traded for some wild ginger a few years back; are these them or obnoxious weed?

This link may be of use to you....has pics of a number of wild gingers.

http://www.wildgingerfarm.com/...

Your plant kinda reminds me of Houttuynia cordata.... I could be way off base, so here are some pics for comparison (i suggest it because its Chinese name means Fishy plant....

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/...

There is a variegated cultivar called Chameleon also

http://hvp.osu.edu/pocketgarde...

Thanks, Moonhowl, for the sites. I've not seen them flower and they are low growing.

You are very welcome....perhaps waiting for blooms may be the best way to get a positive ID. Sorry I couldn't help more.

Moon

Moon, I've not seen a bloom on these; and I've had them for over 2 yrs.

Perhaps it is Houttuynia....it has tiny flowers that are usually hidden under the leaves.....besides the general look of the plant, it was your reference to Unpleasant smell that made me consider it. Perhaps someone will have a more positive ID for you.

It is Houttuynia, the dreaded curse of gardens here.

Thanks Arlene for the confirmation.

I fought that monster too many years and hate seeing anyone else go through it.

For those who love it, and live in an area where it doesn't invade everything, it is a gorgeous plant. I've always said it was the most beautiful (weed) ever. It complimented many of the daylilies so well.

Thanks, Jean & Arlene.

I am still trying to get RID of mine. I have seen them flower. I think that they would be better in a pot to control them if you are not using them for erosion control. If you have them in a area that you can afford to let them spread, then by all means go for it. You have been WARNED!!