Mature ginseng roots measure from 3 to 4 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Ginseng roots are not mature and ready for harvest for about five years after planting.
Each leaf stem grows three or more compound leaves. Each leaf consists of three to five toothed leaflets. A mature ginseng leaf measures up to 5 inches long.
The ginseng plant grows from 2 to 5 inches tall within its first year and grows slowly for five to seven years until it reaches maturity. Mature plants measure from 12 to 18 inches tall.