Reaching a height of 0.8 to 1 meter, the plant resembles American ginseng. The plant thrives in shady locations on rich, moist, well-drained forest soils. For cultivation, plants must be grown in open woods or under lath or net structures that provide 75 percent shade and where large quantities of forest litter, leaf mold, or other compost have been incorporated into the soil. Plants are started from stratified seed and later transplanted into fields after two years' growth. Winter mulches are necessary to protect the plant from cold weather.
Roots take from five to seven years to reach a marketable size and are sold as whole roots.
The quality of cultivated plants is considered inferior to that of wild plants. White ginseng is produced by washing and drying the roots. The market value of the ginseng root is determined by the appearance and the flavor. Ginseng is held in high esteem because of its use as a medicinal plant. As a medicinal plant, ginseng seems to have been used as a remedy for all ailments, including depression, diabetes, fatigue, aging, inflammations, internal degeneration, nausea, tumors, pulmonary problems, dyspepsia, vomiting, nervousness, stress, and ulcers.