The elusive American ginseng is a woodland treasure, revered for centuries for its medicinal properties. This small but mighty perennial is native to the shaded, rich forests of eastern and central North America. Standing 10-15 inches tall, it features elegant, long-stalked leaves with five toothed, pointed leaflets, delicate greenish-white flowers in summer, and clusters of bright red berries in fall. Beneath the soil lies its most sought-after feature—a thick, aromatic root that has fueled trade and folklore alike.
 
Once abundant, American ginseng is now endangered due to overharvesting. It thrives in moist, shady woodlands and should only be cultivated ethically—never taken from the wild.
 
Plant Characteristics:
10-15” tall; spreads slowly to form loose colonies.
 
Part to full shade.
 
Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained, organically rich soils. Sensitive to drought.
 
Small, greenish-yellow flower clusters appear from June to July.
 
Bright red berries ripen in late summer.
 
Compound leaves turn golden-yellow in fall.
 
Wildlife Value:
Hosts 3 caterpillar species. Ants collect ginseng’s seeds for nutrition value in their fatty coatings, helping to scatter and germinate new plants. The berries provide food for birds, deer, and small mammals.  As a native understory plant, it contributes to the health and biodiversity of woodland habitats.
 
Medicinal & Edible Uses:
For centuries, American ginseng root has been revered for its adaptogenic and medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to boost energy and reduce stress, support immune function, and aid digestion and respiratory health.
 
The ripe berries can be used to make jams and jellies, and are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-aging properties.
 
The name Panax comes from the Greek word “panakes”, meaning “all-healing”, a nod to its historical use as a medicinal powerhouse.
 
Conservation Note: Due to its popularity in herbal medicine, wild populations have been severely depleted. Support ethical cultivation and conservation efforts to protect this native species!