How to ID a Ginseng Plant

Ginseng Plants With Berries

Ginseng is a popular herb widely used as a dietary supplement and for its medicinal benefits. Ginseng has been used in Eastern cultures for thousands of years, and is becoming increasingly sought-after in Western nations. Ginseng can be taken orally for stress relief, and to manage diabetes, sexual dysfunction and other conditions. Although American ginseng does grow wild in the United States, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find due to the over-harvesting of the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Hiking shoes
• Garden spade or pitchfork (if harvesting)
• Screwdriver
• Ruler or measuring tape

Instructions

1. Find the proper location. Ginseng can most commonly be found growing wild in deciduous forests east of the Mississippi River. It may be difficult to find, as ginseng typically grows in shady areas.

2. Look carefully at a suspected ginseng plant. Mature ginseng plants usually have five leaflets with small green/yellow and white flowers at the base of the leaves. The flowers will eventually produce berries that will turn red when ripe.

3. Measure the plant. Mature ginseng is 1 to 2 feet tall, with four or more leaves containing five leaflets. Ripened berries are pea-sized and contain two seeds.

4. Determine the ginseng's age. Check the stalk of the plant, which runs to the stem. Feel for scars; mature plants have at least seven scars on the stalk. Stalk should be at least 1/2 inch in length.

5. Use the seasons as indicators. Ginseng is deciduous and will lose its leaves in late fall. Before then, the plant is recognizable by its bright red berries and staining foliage. Green flowers bloom in mid-summer.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise patience and be prepared to spend a great deal of time searching for the plant.

• Check local and state laws to be sure you are allowed to harvest ginseng. Because of its declining population, most areas enforce strict ginseng harvesting restrictions and regulations.

Resources

• Identifying American Ginseng