This paper gives a description about the germination inhibition of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) seed coat. The existence of seed coat is one of the inhibitory factors which inhibit the embryo growth, particularly during the morphological after-ripening stage. The seed coat can obstruct the water absorption at the beginning of seed stratification, but it can not threaten seed germination. The inhibition of seed coat is not caused by the mechanical fetter neither. However, before splitting the seed coat, the inhibition of seed coat comes from both air-tight character and inhibitors, and after splitting the seed coat, the inhibition may come mainly from the inhibitors.