Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Panax ginseng is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - chewed. This probably refers to its medicinal uses. A tea is made from the root. — This probably refers to its medicinal uses.; A tea is made from the root.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain forests. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)