It's hard to id from the picture but the leaf you showed didn't really really look like it had much of a petiole - the little stalk that connects the leaf to a steam. (A petiole pic: http://www.publish.csiro.au/samples/euclidsample/images/c016s1_g.jpg)

Here's a picture of the Panax quinquefolium:
http://www.bsmginseng.com/images/5_yr_old_plant.jpg

You'll notice that there are distinct petioles and leaflets. I didn't really see that in your picture but perhaps it was because of the picture quality.

Even the Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius) doesn't really look like your leaf: http://inspirezone.org/hiking/dwarfginseng.jpg

Given the variable nature of leaves anything is possible, but I don't think the leaf you have is from ginseng.

FataMorgana

yeah it doesnt have a petiole like ginseng. i knew it wasnt ginseng. i was just wondering what it was. It looked like some type of herb. and I love herbs and there medicinal qualitys and stuff. and i was just wondering what kinda plant i had found and if it had any uses

When it puts out leaves next year, take a better picture of a new leaf and then ask again for identification.

Was the root of any particular color?

FataMorgana

it was kind of a dull yellow color

There is some variety of leaf shapes for goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). It has a 5-lobed leaf and would be found in forest settings like ginseng. It has a golden colored root. It like ginseng is a rarely found (due to overharvesting) native medicinal plant and can be found on the United Plant Savers list. Check out information on it and see what you think.

FataMorgana

yeah it wasnt goldenseal either. i dig alot of that too. i got like 5 pounds of goldenseal roots to sell right now. goldenseal roots dont look like ginseng roots either. however i have found places on the web where people describe goldenseal root to look alot like ginseng root. but ive dug alot of it and ive never seen one that resembles ginseng.

You may try researching other members of the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family. Many of them have lobed leaves. Goldenseal, if I recall correctly, is in the Ranunculaceae family and the plant you found just might be a cousin of it. :)

If you do find a match, let us know!

FataMorgana