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Groundnut

Panax trifolius

Last reviewed: July 2026

Groundnut (Panax trifolius)
Photo: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton

Toxicity unknown

Groundnut (Panax trifolius) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, GA, IN and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Dwarf ginseng is a delicate woodland wildflower that forms small clumps of three-leaflet foliage topped with tiny white flower clusters in summer. This diminutive native perennial thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture and goes dormant in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Groundnut 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.

  • Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in landscape
  • Disappears completely when dormant
  • Looks more like a wildflower than cultivated plant

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and flies during the summer blooming period. Seeds may provide food for small woodland birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Groundnut need?
Groundnut grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Groundnut bloom?
Groundnut blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Groundnut native?
Groundnut (Panax trifolius) is native to CT, DE, GA, IN and 18 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Groundnut attract?
Groundnut draws bees and flies.
Is Groundnut HOA-friendly?
Groundnut takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Groundnut? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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