Dwarf Ginseng

This Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius) was spotted by Hawk Mountain's Stewardship team as they continue invasive species management around the Sanctuary. This small woodland plant stands about 3-7 inches tall and has three, sometimes five, compound leaves. Its petite white flowers bloom from mid-May to early June. Unlike the endangered American ginseng, dwarf ginseng is not typically used in herbal medicine, though Native Americans have used it to treat chest pain, headaches, and other ailments for thousands of years. It is native to forests across the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

Photo by Noah Rauch