American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Pittillo, Dan J.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Araliaceae
- Genus:
- Panax
- Species:
- Panax quinquefolius
- USDA Symbol:
- PAQU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers forest understory with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 120–240 days
- Germination Time:
- 365–545 days
- Notes:
- Seeds exhibit deep double dormancy requiring warm stratification (60-90 days) followed by cold stratification (90-120 days). Many seeds may take 18 months to germinate.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are warm and cold stratified
Establishment: H. appendiculatum is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * hard to germinate, best sown in fall