Eleutherococcus senticosus, commonly known as Siberian ginseng, is a deciduous woody shrub native to southern and Eastern Asia, specifically to mixed and coniferous mountain forests, oak groves, and riparian woodlands in regions such as China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. It typically grows up to 7 feet tall and is characterized by its thorny stems, palmate leaves, and small, black berries. The flowers are inconspicuous, with a greenish or yellowish color, blooming in July. Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng but has gained popularity for its adaptogenic properties, which are believed to help the body resist stressors.

In cultivation, Siberian ginseng is valued for its hardiness, adaptability to various soil types, and minimal care requirements, making it suitable for urban planting, border planting, and as a specimen in medicinal gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of conditions, including drought. While it is hardy to zone 3, gardeners should be aware that it can become invasive in some regions. Its root extracts, which contain lignans, coumarins, and polyphenols, are used in traditional Chinese medicine and as dietary supplements to potentially enhance mental and physical capacities.CC BY-SA 4.0