Panax quinquefolium L.
Common Name: American Ginseng
Ship As: Perennial Plant
Zones: 3-8
Grows wild in the eastern half of North America. This perennial herb inhabits hardwood forests on well-drained, north-and east-facing slopes in predominantly porous, humus-rich soils. Ginseng also grows on southwest-facing slopes, in soil where sand or clay is characteristic, and in forests with conifers and softwoods, but most wild populations thrive in upland, north-and east-facing woods where shade and loam soils are typical.
Wild and cultivated ginseng produce an annual crop in the United States and Canada valued in excess of $25 million. The price of wild root is about three times that of cultivated root. Because ginseng root is valuable, many overzealous collectors dig all plants from wild populations. They often fail to reseed, and as a consequence, there is serious concern about the survival of American ginseng in the forest ecosystem. Some diggers consider wild ginseng free to exploit, but such collecting is a criminal act in many states unless one owns the land or has permission to dig.
What is a Bareroot, Plant Plug or Potted Plant
A bare root is the root of a plant in a dormant state, and depending on the species, will have eyes or sprouts. It is a plant that is sold with the roots exposed, rather than potted in soil. Bare roots are healthy and usually grow quickly depending on the species. A plant plug is the general term for seedlings or rooted cuttings that have been started in trays of individual cells. Plant plugs have healthy root systems and can be dormant or breaking dormancy. Plugs and bare roots are the most economical way to purchase perennial plants. A potted plant is one that is usually in a 4-6” pot and is well on its way to growing. We rarely offer larger potted plants but those we do offer are those that need a head start, like hydrangeas or other bush-type plants because of their longer growth time.
