Japanese Ginseng (Panax japonicus)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Panax japonicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in teas and liqueurs. — The roots are used as a flavouring in teas and liqueurs.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in mountains all over Japan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)