American Ginseng

Scientific Name: Panax quinquefolius

American Ginseng is native to and grows in southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec, where its numbers have unfortunately been decimated by the illegal collection of its roots for herbal uses. It has been listed as an endangered species since 2008. So, if you see this plant, leave it be.

This perennial plant has 5 leaflets at the end of each stem. Bright red berries also grow out of the centre of the plant. It typically likes moist soils in especially rich deciduous forests.

Photo by Dan Brunton