Dwarf Ginseng

(Panax trifolium)

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolium)

Identification: Flowers white, arranged in a globular umbel. Fruit a yellow berry. Plant small consisting of a single, smooth stem topped with 3 leaves and a the single umbel of flowers. Leaves divided into 3 leaflets, although basal leaflets may be lobed or subdivided. Leaflets with serrate margins. Plant arising from a bulb. Plant 4 to 8 inches in height.

Distribution: Southern Canada southward to Virginia in the lowlands and Georgia in the mountains. Westward to Minnesota and Tennessee.

Habitat: Found in rich, old woods.

Flowering period: April to June.

Similar Species: Ginseng might be confused with Dwarf Ginseng. The flowers of Ginseng are yellow-green compared to the white flowers of Dwarf Ginseng. Dwarf Ginseng is smaller (4 to 8 inches in height). The leaf of Dwarf Ginseng is usually divided into 3 leaflets, although the basal leaflets may be further subdivided in some cases. The leaflets of Ginseng are stalked, but those of Dwarf Ginseng are not. Dwarf Ginseng can also be confused with Harbinger of Spring (Apiaceae). The leaflets of Harbinger of Spring are more irregular and the margins are not serrate. The umbels of Harbinger of Spring are flat, not globular and the fruit is a seed, not a berry.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolium)

Similar Species:

Ginseng might be confused with Dwarf Ginseng. The flowers of Ginseng are yellow-green compared to the white flowers of Dwarf Ginseng. Dwarf Ginseng is smaller (4 to 8 inches in height). The leaf of Dwarf Ginseng is usually divided into 3 leaflets, although the basal leaflets may be further subdivided in some cases. The leaflets of Ginseng are stalked, but those of Dwarf Ginseng are not. Dwarf Ginseng can also be confused with Harbinger of Spring (Apiaceae). The leaflets of Harbinger of Spring are more irregular and the margins are not serrate. The umbels of Harbinger of Spring are flat, not globular and the fruit is a seed, not a berry.