Dwarf Ginseng — Panax trifolius L.

This cool little wildflower is very rare in NC, at the southeastern limit of its range. It's not as threatened by harvesting as American Ginseng is, but the exact location is protected just in case anyone gets an idea to go dig it up.

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

This population was in full flower. It seems to be doing well in this one spot at the southeast limit of its range. There were probably over a thousand blooms, though these may be just one genetic individual.

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

This one is developing fruit.

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius)

Durham Co., NC 4/12/14.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.