American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
American ginseng is a low-growing woodland perennial with distinctive palmate leaves arranged in whorls. It produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers in summer followed by bright red berries, then goes dormant in winter leaving bare ground.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Ginseng takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots
- Very informal woodland appearance
- Extremely valuable and may be harvested by others
Wildlife value
The flowers attract small bees and beetles during summer blooming. The bright red berries provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Ginseng fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.