Dwarf Ginseng, Ground nut, North American dwarf ginseng
Panax trifolius

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb that grows 20 cm high. The leaves are in rings of three. They are 8 cm long. Each leaf is divided into 3-5 leaflets. These have coarse teeth. Plants have both sexes but individual flowers can be only male. The flowers are white.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in woods and damp places. It suits hardiness zone 4.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The root is boiled in salty water then eaten. It tastes like nuts. They are also eaten raw.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aralia trifolia (L.) Decne & Planch.; Aralia triphylla Poir.; Ginseng trifolium (L.) Alph. Wood; Panax lanceolatus Raf.; Panax pusillus Sims; Panax trifolius var. roseus N. Coleman;