Genus:Panax Species:quinquefolium Cultivar:(species) Vernacular:Ginseng , Jin-chen Plant Type:Perennial Height:8 - 24" Flower:Small greenish-white or yellow flowers Bloom Time:May - August Light:Shade Comments:American Ginseng has a distinctive whorl of five leaves that are arranged in a circle. Virginia creeper is sometimes misidentified as this rare plant which has been overcollected.
Ginseng is listed as a threatened species in many states in the U.S. It should not be disturbed.
It's Chinese name Jin-Chen means "manlike."
Ginseng is a Pennsylvania native.All gardens are Zone 5b with patches of Zones 4, 5, and 6.