Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius) is a tiny plant. The photos on this page make it seem larger than it is. In reality it is something like a white gumdrop lying on the forest floor!
The globe-like blossom at the end of a single stem is known as an umbel. This variety of Ginseng has no “medicinal” properties, like its cousin Panax quinquefolius.
Please stop in at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg to see the complete collection of Smoky Mtn photos. If you are a Facebook user, join the discussion on the Smoky Mountains Wildflowers page.