Content of ginsenoside is one of the important index for evaluating the quality of American ginseng. As an important medicinal plant resource, the producing area, fertilization and harvest time of P. quinquefolium have important effects on the accumulation and metabolism of ginsenoside in P. quinquefolium. Effect of main influencing factors such as the producing area, fertilization and harvesting time on the content of ginsenoside in P. quinquefolium was reviewed in the paper in order to provide reference for efficient cultivation and industrialization of American ginseng.