| Panax trifolius | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Genus: | Panax |
| Subgenus: | P. subg. Trifolius |
| Species: | P. trifolius
|
| Binomial name | |
| Panax trifolius | |
Panax trifolius, commonly called dwarf ginseng, is a plant native to the Northeastern and Appalachian regions of North America. It is found in low mesic woods with acidic soils.[1]
It produces an umbel of white flowers in late spring. This species was used for traditional medicine by Native Americans.[2] Its tubers can be eaten raw or boiled.[3]
The distribution of the plant is inconsistent and can become disjunct as it appears frequently in one area and absent in another with a suitable habitat.[4] The plant is a part of the Araliaceae[5] and occurs in a similar region with the more notable relative, Panax quinquefolium[6]. It is sometimes referred to as "groundnut" due to the roots exhibiting a nutty flavor when eaten raw.[7]
- ^ Illinois Wildflowers
- ^ U.S. Forest Service
- ^ Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. (1985) [1979]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region. Knopf. p. 347. ISBN 0-394-50432-1.
- ^ "Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora | Panax trifolius L." vaplantatlas.org. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- ^ "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ Schlessman, Mark A. (September 1990). "Phenotypic Gender in Sex Changing Dwarf Ginseng Panax Trifolium (Analiaceae)". American Journal of Botany. 77 (9): 1125–1131. doi:10.1002/j.1537-2197.1990.tb13610.x. ISSN 0002-9122.
- ^ "Panax trifolius Ground Nut, Dwarf ginseng PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2023-11-14.