newb looking for positive identification

[dream]

Hello, and thanks for having me!

I was out identifying wild edibles and came across some plants that I believe are panax quinquefoliu, but they might possibly be parthenocissus quinquefolia. Can anyone help me to identify them?

Here are some pics:

[dream]

Here's another pics (poor quality)

[Brad]

Hi Dream,

Welcome to the site.

I am less certain about the second picture, because the appearance of seeding berries throws me off a little.  However, I am certain neither of them are ginseng.  I believe they are what I normally call 5-leaf ivy, and some call Virginia creeper.

Go to the USDA Plant Database and search for Virginia Creeper as the common name, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch as the scientific name.  I think you will agree this is the same plant.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch

(if the name is filled in already, just hit the GO button)