Sunfleck effects on physiology, growth, and local demography of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)

► When forest management practices aim to conserve species diversity, understory plants are key. ► American ginseng is typical of many understory plants but is also economically valuable. ► Ginseng responds positively to small canopy gaps in terms of growth, but negatively for germination. ► A spatially and temporally varying light environment is beneficial for ginseng population growth. ► Management practices that provide such conditions will likely benefit understory plants.