Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius
Happiest in a moist, but well-drained soil in the
dappled shade of deciduous trees, especially Sugar Maple. The cluster
of red berries adds an ornamental element to the fall woodland garden.
A top-dressing of dolomitic limestone in the fall is beneficial for
highly acidic soil.
The most valuable ginseng in the world grows in the
Catskills. Curse or blessing? Overcollection for the medicinal trade
may lead to extirpation of local populations. On the other hand,
growing ginseng may provide forest owners with the economic means to
hold on to large tracts of land and prevent suburbanization of the
Catskills.
