Panax quinquefolius
Panax quinquefolius American ginseng


American ginseng grows up to 24 inches tall and has a single, erect, unbranched stem without hairs. The stem terminates in a whorl of 3 large, palmately compound leaves above which the flower cluster (umbel) develops. The petioles of compound leaves are 2″ to 5″ long. Each compound leaf is comprised of 5 or (rarely) 3 leaflets with the leaflets in the largest pair being up to 6″ long. Leaflets are medium green, hairless, oblong to obovate, with serrated teeth. The lowest pair of leaflets are smallest in size and have shortest stalks (petiolule).
Greenish white flowers emerge in a single umbel on top of the stem, rising above the leaves. Clusters have 10 to 20 flowers, each flower only ⅛″ across. Flowers are perfect and have 5 petals, 5 protruding stamens, tubular calyx and one pistil.
Populations of American ginseng have greatly declined due to overcollection of the roots for medicinal purposes and habitat destruction.
Habitat & Range
Grows in rich, cool mesic woods. Prefers shade to part shade.
Present throughout the state, with declining populations due to collecting.
Wetland status: Not classified
Phenology
Flowers late May to early June.
Fruits September & October.
Characteristics
Flowers tiny (⅛″ across), greenish white, perfect, in a single umbel on top of stem
Leaves large, palmately compound, usually 5-foliate (or trifoliate), in a whorl of 3 atop the stem
Leaflets finely serrate, oblong-obovate, stalked, 2.5″ to 6″ long
Stem single, unbranched
Fruit bright red berry, 0.4″ long
Height 8″ to 24″
Plant Codes
S-rank: S4 (Apparently Secure)
G-rank: G3 (Vulnerable)