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Wallace, George
Panax quinquefolius
Panax quinquefolius L.
American Ginseng, Wild Ginseng
Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: paqu
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
An umbel of small, greenish-white or yellow-green, fragrant flowers rising from a whorl of 3 large, palmately compound leaves. The flowers of this species smell like those of Lily-of-the-valley. It is classified as a threatened species in 31 eastern states. The genus name is from the Greek panakeia (“panacea” or “cure-all”). The common name, a corruption of the Chinese Jin-chen (“man-like”), refers to the resemblance of the roots to a human body.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Fruit: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Quebec, south to Georgia, west to Louisiana and Oklahoma, and north to South Dakota and Minnesota.
Native Habitat: Cool moist woods.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Organic, Humus Enriched
Benefit
Use Other: The root of this species is highly prized by the Chinese as an alleged aphrodisiac and heart stimulant. It is also in demand here as a tonic, which has resulted in overcollection, so that the plant is now considered rare. (Niering)Attracts: Birds
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
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
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1993 VOL. 10, NO.6 - Saving Trees and Plants at New Center Site a Big Job, Director's Report, Wildflo...Wildflower Newsletter 1996 VOL. 13, NO.3 - Hummingbird Gardening, Blooms Beget Butterflies, Butterflies and Hummingbirds Fo...
Additional resources
USDA: Find Panax quinquefolius in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Panax quinquefolius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Panax quinquefolius
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-29Research By: TWC Staff