Dwarf Ginseng

Panax trifolius

This perennial wildflower is 3-8" tall. It has an unbranched stem that terminates in a whorl of compound leaves and a single flowering stalk. The central stem is light green to dull red and hairless. The compound leaves are palmate with 3-5 leaflets. The flowering stalk rises 1-3" above the leaves, terminating in a small umbel of white flowers about ¾" across. Individual flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 5 white petals, a short white calyx, and 5 white stamens. The flowers of some plants are all staminate (male), while the flowers of other plants are perfect (male& female).

The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. Umbels of perfect flowers are replaced by small clusters of berries. These berries are initially green, but they later become yellow; their texture is rather dry. Each berry contains 2-3 seeds.

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