Panax quinquefolius L.

  • Authority

    Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

  • Family

    Araliaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Panax quinquefolius L.

  • Description

    Species Description - Root elongate, fusiform; stem solitary, 2–6 dm, with 1–4(5) lvs; lfls (3)5(7), oblong-obovate to obovate, 6–15 cm, acuminate, conspicuously serrate, on long petiolules; peduncle 1–12 cm; fls greenish-white, all or mostly perfect; styles usually 2; fr bright red, 1 cm thick; 2n=44, 48. Rich woods; Que. to Minn. and S.D., s. to Ga., La., and Okla., now rare. June, July. Some individuals in some populations have fls with only one style, locule, and seed.

  • Common Names

    American ginseng