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Cressler, Alan

Panax trifolius

Panax trifolius L.

Dwarf Ginseng

Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PATR2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This tiny, woodland perennial looks like a small version of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). An umbel of tiny, dull white (fading to pink) flowers rises from a whorl of 3 compound leaves.

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CT , DC , DE , GA , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia, and northwest to Kentucky, Indiana, and Minnesota.
Native Habitat: Moist woods and damp clearings.

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Moist

Benefit

Use Food: Tuber can be eaten raw or boiled.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Web Reference

Webref 26 - Minnesota Wildflowers: a field guide to the flora of Minnesota (2009)
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Panax trifolius in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Panax trifolius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Panax trifolius

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-29
Research By: TWC Staff

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