How to Identify Ginseng Plants

Ginseng is a highly-valued herb that grows in the wild and is cultivated for harvest. It is a slow-growing perennial, taking nearly five years to mature from seed. Wild ginseng is currently protected in many states, as it is in danger of extinction from over harvesting. Although many states have laws that govern the planting, harvesting and sale of this root herb, with the proper licensing you can gather wild ginseng from your property. Once you learn to identify ginseng plants, you can begin foraging for the wild herb.

Instructions

1. Count the leaflets. Ginseng plants have five leaflets--two small leaflets on the bottom and three large ones on top--that originate at the same point on the leaf stem in a maple-leaf pattern. Each leaflet has serrated edges, a round base and a slightly pointed tip.

2. Check the stem. While the number of leaves depends on the age of the plant, all the leaves of a ginseng plant grow from the same point on the top of the stem.

3. Look for flowers. Before setting fruit, the ginseng plants sprout greenish-white flowers that grow from a stem above the base of the leaves.

4. Examine the berries. Ginseng plants produce small, bright-red berries in clusters attached to the flower stem.

Tips & Warnings

• Count the leaflet stems, instead of the leaves, if you suspect animals have been eating the plant. Only harvest ginseng roots with mature berries and plant the berries directly near the plant you harvested.

• Check all local, state and Federal laws prior to harvesting ginseng roots. Replant the seeds and do not harvest the root if there is only one plant in your location.

References

• American.edu-Ginseng Wisdom: Identify
• University of Minnesota Extension-Identifying Wild Ginseng
• USDA Plant Guide-American Ginseng