The elusive American ginseng is a woodland treasure, revered for centuries for its medicinal properties. This small but mighty perennial is the only ginseng native to North America, where its native range includes shaded, rich forests of the eastern and central United States. Standing 10 to 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. 
 
The herbaceous perennial thrives in the dappled light of woodlands where soils are moderately acidic and consistently moist, yet not waterlogged. In the wild, the plant prefers north- and east-facing sites on well-drained slopes under a forest canopy of 70 to 90 percent shade. It's often found in areas with tulip-poplar, sugar maple, and black walnut trees, and it grows companionably with goldenseal, bloodroot, trillium, spicebush, and jack-in-the-pulpit. Some of these perennials help to hold moisture in the soil (ferns and wild ginger) or provide pest deterrance via their toxic compounds (mayapple and blue cohosh). Lack of air circulation and too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases; however, good site selection, proper mulch, and wide spacing between plants are excellent preventive measures. Most of the trees mentioned above produce leaves that decompose rapidly into a litter layer that provides an ideal balance of nutrition and moisture-holding ability. Dry, sandy soils and poorly drained clay soils should be amended with leaf mold or compost before planting.
 
The plant grows slowly, not reaching maturity until 7 to 10 years. During the second growing season, the plant will develop a central stem with one compound leaf composed of three to four leaflets. With each growing season, the plant will continue to add leaves and leaflets. Total lifespan is between 20 and 80 years, depending on site conditions. 
 
American ginseng was once abundant in the lush Appalachian woodlands. After the Civil War, savvy ginseng gatherers built a multimillion-dollar industry selling wild-grown American ginseng to buyers both here and abroad. Read more about the lucrative trade in Luke Manget's book, "Ginseng Diggers: A History of Herb and Root Gathering in Appalachia."
 
American ginseng, which is found throughout Ohio in small, scattered populations, is endangered due to overharvesting, poaching, and destruction of forests. There are strict state regulations as to how and when ginseng may be harvested in the wild. Some Ohioans have committed to growing ginseng in their own woodlands. Chip Carroll, who helped form Rural Action’s Sustainable Forestry Program, says, “Ultimately, I know that every ginseng root I can produce is one less root that will need to be harvested from the wild to supply demand." He adds that agroforestry is a leading practice to reduce impact on the climate. 
 
Native habitats include understories of rich woodlands. Use in naturalized areas, woodlands, or herb gardens. May also be grown in containers.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 10-15” tall; spreads slowly to form loose colonies.
 
Prefers part to full shade. Full sun will burn foliage. 
 
Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained, moderately acidic, organically rich soils.  Sensitive to drought.
 
Cluster of 10-20 small, greenish-yellow flowers appears in a 3/4" umbel on tip of central stem June-July. Each flower has 5 spreading petals, a short tubular calyx, 5 stamens, and a pistil. In fall, fertile flowers are replaced by cluster of bright red berries, each containing 2 seeds. 
 
Compound leaves have 5 widely spreading ovate- to obovate-shaped leaflets. The lower pair of leaflets are smaller than the other leaflets. Individual leaflets are 2.5 - 6" long, medium green, hairless, and finely serrated along the margins. They turn golden yellow in fall. 
 
Reproductive System: Flowers contain both male and female reproductive parts. They are self-pollinating and are also cross-pollinated by small bees and flies. 
 
Wildlife Value:
Hosts 3 species of Lepidoptera larvae: zigzag herpetogramma, cabbage looper moth, and Indian-meal moth. Ants collect ginseng’s seeds for the nutrition value in their fatty coatings, helping to scatter and germinate new plants. The berries, foliage, and roots 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:
The name Panax comes from the Greek word panakes, meaning “all-healing,” a nod to its historical use as a medicinal powerhouse.For centuries, American ginseng root has been a major component of traditional Cherokee, Chinese, and rural Appalachian herbal medicine 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. It may have protective reproductive health benefits. The Meskwaki people of the Great Lakes region have used it as an aphrodisiac and a panacea, or a “universal remedy." 
 
Native Americans used ginseng to relieve pain, stop cuts from bleeding, and treat infections.
 
The ripe berries can be used to make jams and jellies and are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging properties.
 
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!
 
Resources:
Folklife: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/mysterious-medicinal-economic-powers-american-ginseng#:~:text=American%20ginseng%20(Panax%20quinquefolius)%20is,turned%20out%20the%20same%20way.
 
Greg: https://greg.app/american-ginseng-outdoor-care/
 
Illinois Wildflowers: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/ginseng.htm
 
Knoxnews.com: https://shorturl.at/OIaof
 
National Wildlife Federation: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants/2450
 
Ohio State Univ Extension: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/F-58
 
Ruralaction.org: https://shorturl.at/HIBxQ