Almost all people are familiar with this common herb which is usually used as a spice in kitchen. Ginger has been used as culinary properties for centuries. More importantly, ginger also can be used as herb medicine to treat ailments in daily life. I think it can plant the European varity in the Chicago area.

Here is a link that might be useful: apricot kernel extract

I'm just starting to grow Wild Ginger but it's not an evergreen in 5b. It's a nice groundcover that I started from bare-root 2 years ago. It's slowly spreading & provides nice coverage in deep shade, where I don't have too many options. I haven't yet tried any of the medicinal/culinary uses for this, but obviously it's not ginger as traditionally known in our kitchens.

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asarum_canadense.shtml