Pronounced: PAN-aks try-FOH-lee-us (botanical Latin guide)
A small spring woodland plant with a rounded cluster of tiny white flowers above three compound leaves.
Photograph by Where’s Wildlife. Tap to browse the photos.
Family: Araliaceae
Bloom: May–June in the Upper Midwest
Height: 4–8 inches
Habitat: Rich, moist deciduous woods
Scientific synonyms: Nanopanax trifolius
Bloom timing and height vary by location.
01 · A single rounded white flower cluster on a slender stalk
02 · Three leaves arranged in a whorl; each has three to five toothed leaflets
03 · Low-growing plant with stalkless leaflets
Rich, moist deciduous woods. Typical flowering season: May–June in the Upper Midwest.
Try a low view showing the spherical flower cluster above the leaf whorl.
This perennial occupies the woodland floor. Its small flowers develop into yellowish, berry-like fruits.
Three compound leaves surround the stem. Each leaf divides into several leaflets; do not confuse the two counts.
Dwarf Ginseng is smaller, with essentially stalkless leaflets and yellowish ripe fruit rather than red fruit.
Include the flower cluster and leaf whorl together. A flower-only close-up leaves out useful identification features.
Eastern Canada and the north-central and eastern United States.
Observation maps show reported sightings, not the complete native range. Some recorded populations may be historical.
