American ginseng, Xi yang shen
Panax quinquefolius

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It grows up to 30 cm high. It spreads to 50 cm across. It has an aromatic branched rootstock. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are divided into 3-7 leaflets that have teeth along the edge. The leaflets can be 15 cm long. The flowers are small and green-white. The fruit are red berries.

It is important as a medicinal herb and also added to soups. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It requires a deep moist humus rich soil. It should be in a shady position. It needs a well-drained slightly acid soil. It suits hardiness zone 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada (country/location of origin), China, Europe, France, Germany, Korea, Myanmar, Netherlands, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

A tea is made from the leaves and roots. The root is candied and chewed. The root is steamed for 4 hours over boiling water before drying and packing.

It is cultivated commercially.

Edible parts

Roots, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Seed should be sown as soon as ripe. Seed can be slow to germinate. Plants can be grown by dividing the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Five finger's root, Genseng, Garantogen, Garantogere, Grantogen, Jinshard, Manroot, Ninsin, Sang, Tartar root, True ginseng, Xi yang shen, Wild ginseng

Synonyms

Aralia quinquefolia (L.) Decne & Planch; Ginseng quinquefolium (L.) Alph.Wood; Panax americanus (Raf.) Raf.; and others