Description
The aromatic root of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) resembles a small parsnip that forks as it matures.
American ginseng is a herbaceous perennial plant in the ivy family, commonly used as Chinese or herbal medicine. An extract is sold as Cold-fX. It is native to eastern North America, though it is also cultivated in places such as China.
The plant grows 6 to 18 tall, usually bearing three leaves, each with three to five leaflets, 2 to 5 long.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Panax quinquefolius |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 0.75 to 1.50 feet |
| Flower Colour | Yellowish-green to greenish-white |
| Bloom Time | June to July |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Ginseng American care
Understand the wild-simulated ginseng growing method. This method mimics the plant s natural environment. While ginseng grown this way typically takes eight years to mature, the end result is much more valuable than field-cultivated ginseng due to its color and shape. You may attempt to alter this process by using artificial shade or tilling the soil, but then you will be growing woods-grown ginseng, which may grow into a different, less valuable shape.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 50F. |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Ginseng American special feature
An interesting and increasingly rare native plant for shade areas. Best in herb gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens or shade gardens. Generally not grown in borders due to lack of sufficient ornamental interest.
Ginseng American uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- American ginseng is also used for low iron in the blood (anemia), diabetes, insulin resistance related to HIV treatments, cancer-related fatigue, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping (insomnia), nerve pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), fever, hangover symptoms, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), blood and bleeding disorders, breast cancer, dizziness, headaches, convulsions, fibromyalgia,hardening of the arteries, (atherosclerosis), memory loss