Description Panax quinquefolius, commonly called American ginseng, is native to but now rare in Missouri where it most frequently occurs on north-acing wooded slopes in the eastern Ozark region (Steyermark).

It is an erect perennial growing to 10-15" tall.

Each plant has three long-stalked, horse-chestnut-like, compound leaves.

Flowers are mildly fragrant but not particularly showy.

Roots are thick, aromatic and swollen in the middle.