Panax, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
ginseng
Eastern Asia and eastern North America
Overview
Panax is a genus of about a dozen slow-growing perennial herbs in the family Araliaceae, found in cool, shaded forests of eastern Asia and eastern North America. Plants rise from a fleshy, aromatic taproot to 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) tall, bearing a whorl of long-stalked palmately compound leaves, each divided into three to five toothed leaflets 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) long. A single slender stalk carries a small rounded umbel of greenish-white flowers above the leaves in early summer. The flowers give way to clusters of berries that ripen bright red, each holding one or two seeds. The genus includes P. ginseng of northeastern Asia and P. quinquefolius of eastern North America, both harvested for their roots, which contain ginsenosides. Plants grow only in deep shade on cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and take four or more years to reach flowering and harvestable size. They are sensitive to heat, drought, and disturbance, and wild populations of several species have declined from overharvest. Slow establishment and exacting shade requirements limit cultivation to woodland and forest-farming settings.
Native Range
Panax is native to cool temperate and montane forests of eastern Asia, including Korea, China, and eastern Russia, and of eastern North America. Plants grow in deep shade on moist, humus-rich forest floors, often on north-facing slopes.Suggested Uses
Panax is grown in woodland gardens and shade beds and is cultivated under forest canopy for its medicinal roots. The red berries and whorled foliage add interest to the shaded woodland floor. It suits naturalistic plantings in cool climates rather than open or sunny borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid summer, roughly June to July, with a single small umbel of greenish-white flowers per plant. The flowers are inconspicuous and draw small insects. Red berries ripen in late summer to early autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
