Panax ginseng aka Asian Ginseng

Panax ginseng, or Asiatic ginseng, is an herb that lives for years. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. Other names include nin-sin and sang. Its native range spans the Russian Far East to Korea. Records also place it in northeastern China and North Korea. It grows in mountain forests in temperate parts of Asia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants reach about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] in height. They spread to about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. Ginseng is thus a small plant for a woodland garden. Each flower has both male and female organs. People gather the root as the main part for use. Growers raise this species as a crop. People also gather plants from the wild.

Give ginseng shade and moist soil rich in humus. A woodland site meets these needs. The source lists full shade and part shade as suitable. Its landscape notes favour a shaded edge over deep shade. It can grow in sand, loam or clay soil. Soil may be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 5–9. Its need for shade suits a sheltered woodland garden. A food forest also suits this need.

You can raise new plants from seed. Sow fresh seed when ripe in a shaded cold frame. Seeds may take a long time to sprout. They may not all sprout at the same time. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Use pots with enough depth for the roots. Keep young plants in shade through at least their first winter. The source names a greenhouse or cold frame for winter shelter. Plant them in their final spots in late summer. You can also split established plants in spring to make more.

People chew the root or make tea with it. Its food use overlaps with its long use in herbal care. Some ways of using the root call for steaming it first. People have long used it as a stimulant and tonic. Such uses do not prove it treats disease safely. Reports of side effects include loss of sleep. The heart may beat faster, and blood pressure may rise. Long use or too much may cause diarrhoea or nervousness. Reports also describe skin eruptions. Take care when using it with other stimulants. The source says to avoid it while pregnant or breastfeeding. It also says to avoid it with psychosis or manic disorders. Its use as food does not mean all use is safe.