Panax quinquefolius

Description

Panax quinquefolius, or American Ginseng, is 1-2 foot, woodland perennial preferring 70% shade and well-drained, humus-rich soils. American Ginseng’s tiny white umbel flowers appear from June to July. After this, red berries appear in late summer. Ginseng is a popular medicinal plant, considered an adaptogenic or stress normalizing, and its root may increase mental efficiency and physical performance. The plant is one of the highest-selling medicinal herbs in the US. At risk of overharvesting, Ginseng is now considered vulnerable in Pennsylvania.