Ginseng look alike?

[pmcdowell479]

We found a plant that looks like wild ginseng in our woods, but when you go to dig it up, the root goes on and on, sometimes shooting off other growth, like a vine. Anyone know what this could be?

 

 

[Clark]

A general idea of your location would be most helpful.

Clark

[Otis1]

Wild Sarsaparilla

[Wattwood]

Ginseng is palmately compound- the five leaflets on mature plants radiate out from the same node. The leaflets wouldn't be offset along the stem like in your picture. Younger plants may have just three leaflets until they mature in later years. 

[Clark]

The second picture looks like wild sarsaparilla, the first does not. I've been told ginseng is one of the first (or is it last?) to have it's leaves turn yellow and it seems like you may have recorded that in your picture.

Clark