Panax quinquefolia

Found near slopes of rich forests. In our region, the populations are sparse, at least in part due to collection for medicinal use and trade. Ginseng is a protected species in NYS because of the risk of overcollection. It is illegal to collect any part without permission of the landowner. Under consideration for federal listing. Listed as endangered in Canada. American ginseng has 3- to mostly 5-compound leaves, the flower stalk is erect, and the berries are rounded and red when mature.