Asian Ginseng is an herbaceous perennial plant that is the original source of ginseng. It is a woodland wildflower that grows in shady mountain forests of eastern Asia. It has a stem with several palmately compound leaves and a flower stalk with a rounded cluster of small, white flowers. The fruits are bright red drupes. Leaves have 3-5 leaflets. It has a stout rootstock. The rootstock is used as an herbal medicine. Ginseng has a history of herbal use going back over 5,000 years. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigor. Hardy in zones 5-9.