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skill rating
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Panax trifolius (Dwarf ginseng )
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.8m
Max height
Max height
0.7m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Panax trifolius
Other names
Dwarf ginseng , Ground nut
Genus
Panax Panax
Species
P. trifolius - P. trifolius is an erect, deciduous perennial with an unbranched stem bearing whorled, palmate leaves divided into three, rarely five, oblong to elliptic, toothed, mid-green leaves and a spherical umbel of star-like, white flowers in mid- to late spring. Flowers are followed by green fruit ripening yellow.
Panax trifolius is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Flower
Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
No pruning required.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Seed may be slow and erratic to germinate.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Panax trifolius (Dwarf ginseng ) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.7m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Bog garden, Underplanting, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, cool, moist, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade. Best in a moist, woodland setting. Do not allow soil to dry out. Though the roots are reportedly edible, they are not used in herbal medicine.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Panax trifolius
Other names
Dwarf ginseng , Ground nut
Genus
Panax Panax
Species
P. trifolius - P. trifolius is an erect, deciduous perennial with an unbranched stem bearing whorled, palmate leaves divided into three, rarely five, oblong to elliptic, toothed, mid-green leaves and a spherical umbel of star-like, white flowers in mid- to late spring. Flowers are followed by green fruit ripening yellow.
Native to
Eastern North America
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
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Colour
Flower
Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
General care
Pruning
No pruning required.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Seed may be slow and erratic to germinate.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Panax trifolius (Dwarf ginseng ) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.7m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Bog garden, Underplanting, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, cool, moist, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade. Best in a moist, woodland setting. Do not allow soil to dry out. Though the roots are reportedly edible, they are not used in herbal medicine.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Panax trifolius (Dwarf ginseng )
Common pest name
Leaf spot: ginseng; Leaf spot: ornamentals
Scientific pest name
Alternaria panax
Type
Fungus
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
4
General biosecurity comments
A leaf spot disease; some commonly grown pot plants are hosts but main damage is to ginseng.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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