General Introduction of American Ginseng Indigenous in USA and Canada

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is herbaceous perennial plants indigenous to North American forests. This is highly valued as medicinal herbs with a long history of collection from wild populations since 1716. Wild American ginseng distributed from Quebec in Canada to northern Florida in USA. A heavy concentration is found in the Appalachian mountains, although wild American ginseng is considered endangered. The price paid for field cultivated ginseng has dropped dramatically in the past 10 years, while the price for wild or woods cultivated ginseng has rised significantly. The price curve for ginseng resembles a roller coaster, reflecting not only supply and demand but many other factors. This information will be useful to understand American ginseng compared to Korean ginseng.