For thousands of years, ginseng root has been used as medicine, so this plant is much sought after. American ginseng is listed as an endangered species and is often harvested for export to Asia for up to hundreds of dollars per kilo for a high-end product. The high demand has prompted the need for regulation of ginseng harvesting. You must apply safe harvesting methods to ensure the sustainability of ginseng in the open.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Finding and Picking Ginseng
Step 1. Look for the right season
In America, wild ginseng picking is regulated in 19 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). Meanwhile, some other states actually restrict or prohibit. The nineteen states have a harvest season that runs from September 1 to November 30. Plan your picking time based on the set season.
- If you have questions, contact your local agriculture or forestry department for more information. You can also find information about state regulations and laws at the American Herbal Products Association.
- In Canada harvesting wild ginseng is illegal. Ginseng itself is classified as a rare fauna at the national level as well as in Ontario and Quebec. In fact, Canada does not allow the export of wild ginseng roots.
Step 2. Go to a ginseng producing area
Ginseng plants are native to the hardwood forests of North America, from southern Canada (Ontario and Quebec), west to South Dakota and Oklahoma, and south to Georgia. This plant thrives in areas that are not exposed to much sunlight (especially on slopes facing east or north) in forests where there are many hard, broadleaf trees. The older the forest (with large hardwood trees and a canopy that covers most of the shrubs, wild roses, etc.), the better the ginseng will grow because the presence of smaller, denser plants will actually stunt its growth.
- If you're interested in exploring a specific area of America, please go to the USDA map and check to see if ginseng ever grew there. Armed with this map, your chances of finding ginseng are even greater.
- Remember, shade and humidity provide the best environment for ginseng to grow.
- Head into a forest of beech, maple, hickory, oak, basswood, and tulip poplar trees. Ginseng thrives in the shade of these trees.
- Ginseng gets harder to find if you start your hunt late.
- Look for black, loose soil that is covered in leaf litter.
Step 3. Pay attention to the presence of plants that are often found with ginseng
One of the clues that you are in a place where there is a lot of ginseng is the presence of “companion plants”. The habitat that supports the growth of these accompanying plants is the same as that of ginseng. Granted, it's no guarantee that you'll find ginseng when these plants are spotted, but at least you can start your hunt from there.
- These accompanying plants include trillium (Trillium spp.), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides -blue, Actaea racemosa-black), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), and Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum).
- Poison ivy is not a companion plant.
Step 4. Recognize the shape of the ginseng plant
Ginseng plants have a single stem that branches at the bottom, which is where the leaf stalks emerge. The branching produces 1-4 leaf stalks and each stalk has 3-5 young leaves. If the plant is old enough, you will find a row of whitish green flowers with 6-20 buds. These flowers will later turn into red berries.
- The position of ginseng is sometimes difficult to trace. However, once you find the first plant, it will be easier to find the others.
- Ginseng will change shape as it grows. In small ginseng plants, you will find a single stem with only 3 young leaves. When it reaches maturity, ginseng leaves will have 3-7 young leaves. In the ginseng grove you will find plants of various ages.
- Ginseng can be found in groups or alone.
- Maybe you need to look at pictures of ginseng plants before you go hunting or bring along an experienced hunter.
Step 5. Harvest only mature plants that have released red berries
If harvesting ginseng is permitted in your area, be sure to only take mature plants that have at least 3 leaves. If there are many mature plants in the clump, leave a few stems to maintain sustainability, as well as small plants. To secure it from others who want to harvest it, pluck the leaves.
Be sure to use environmentally friendly harvesting methods
Step 6. Dig carefully
When you find a mature plant with 3 leaves (or 4 leaves in Illinois), dig up the soil around the plant carefully so as not to damage the roots to the neck. Use a fork or spade to dig around the plant, leaving a little space (about 15 cm) between the plant and the place to stick the fork or shovel into the soil.
- Also pay attention to the surrounding plants, don't disturb them. If the roots to be harvested are near a young ginseng plant, use a smaller tool such as a flat-head screwdriver about 20-25 cm long and stir very carefully.
- If such harvesting risks damaging the roots of nearby young ginseng plants, stop immediately.
- After successfully removing the ginseng roots, squeeze the red fruit and sow the seeds about 2.5 cm below the soil surface, still near the newly harvested plant. Never throw seeds or young ginseng plants out of the forest.
Step 7. Wash and dry the roots
When you get home, soak the roots in a bucket of cold water to remove any adhering soil. Do not rinse under running water from a faucet or hose. Also, don't scrub or wash them vigorously as buyers like the look that leaves a little bit of soil, as well as because the root bark is quite fragile. Then, dry the roots by placing them in a cloth strainer or wooden rack.
- Make sure the roots are not sticking together and air them on a wooden rack or cloth filter to dry in a well-ventilated room with a temperature between 21-38 degrees Celsius.
- Never dry the roots in the oven, in the microwave, in direct sunlight, or on a car window (e.g. placing the roots near the rear window of a car).
- Check the condition of the roots every now and then. If you see rotting or discolored areas, adjust the temperature or airflow again.
- A completely dry root will easily be broken into two parts.
- The process of drying ginseng root may take 1-2 weeks.
Method 2 of 2: Obeying the Laws and Regulations regarding Ginseng
Step 1. Ask for permission if necessary
Some states in America require the possession of an official permit to harvest ginseng. If harvesting is done on privately owned land, ask the owner for permission in advance. Always carry your license with you when you go hunting. You must present the letter when prompted.
Some forestry offices in America issue permits for harvesting, while others prohibit them. Check with the forest office in your hunting area first about the ginseng hunting policy. Harvesting wild ginseng in US National Parks is strictly prohibited
Step 2. Get to know the mature ginseng plant
You are only allowed to harvest ginseng plants that are mature enough. Called old enough when the ginseng plant is at least 5 years old and has 3-4 leaves. Also look for plants with red berries. The number of stem wounds also determines the age of the plant.
- Each year, a stem wound will appear on the root neck of the plant. Plants that are ready to be harvested have at least 4 stem wounds.
- You don't need to pull the plant out of the ground to count stem wounds. Just remove the soil covering the root neck.
- Berries that are still green indicate that the plant is not ready for harvest.
Step 3. Sell and export your harvested ginseng
You must have a license to sell and/or export ginseng. If you plan to ship your ginseng to another state, you must seek certification from the State or Customary Council where it is harvested. Then, if you plan to market ginseng overseas, seek permission from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Overseas shipments are only permitted if harvesting proceeds according to applicable regulations and the shipment does not threaten the sustainability of American ginseng
Step 4. Exporting ginseng abroad
If you plan to export ginseng, apply for a permit with your local department, in America for example the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You will receive a form for multiple trade submissions and a form for one-time submissions. In addition to these permits, you must also have State or Customary Council documents certifying that you are harvesting ginseng according to applicable law.
- Once your application is approved, a Master File will be created. You will receive a valid license for one time exporting ginseng.
- Applications to export wild ginseng are valid for one year.
Tips
- Wild ginseng plants take years to flower and bear fruit. The flowers produce berries that will change color from green to red as they ripen in the fall.
- Ginseng plants can survive for 30-50 years. Petioles will grow, each with 3-5 young leaves (usually 5, but sometimes more or less). Meanwhile, the stems of mature plants can grow to a height of 50 cm with 3-4 petioles, sometimes 5 or even more.
Warning
- To ensure species sustainability (and avoid fines or imprisonment), always comply with applicable laws regarding the harvesting of wild ginseng and the cultivation and sale of wild and conditioned ginseng plants.
- Cultivate vigilance to prevent theft. The best way to deal with thieves is to keep your ginseng secret. Make sure the ginseng plant is on your private plot, tightly hidden, and away from distractions. Don't tell too many stories about the land, and try to only work with reputable suppliers or buyers. Increase vigilance as the plant approaches maturity. If you catch a theft, try to prevent it and ask the authorities to arrest it.
- Be careful when dealing with thieves and as much as possible avoid the use of force to chase them away.
Related article
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