There are many reasons why you may consider harvesting wild American ginseng. Ginseng root can be sold at a good price, and it is notoriously difficult to grow, so harvesting in the wild is common. But the harvesting of American ginseng is controversial and regulated by law. Know the rules before going on ginseng hunting. You cannot harvest ginseng on land owned or managed by MDC. Very similar to Asian ginseng, American ginseng has been harvested and used medicinally for thousands of years. Roots have been studied by modern researchers, and there is evidence that they have these benefits: reducing inflammation, improving brain function, treating erectile dysfunction, boosting the immune system, and reducing fatigue. American ginseng is a plant native to North America that grows in the forests of the East. Originally used by Native Americans, ginseng root has a number of medicinal uses. It is particularly important in traditional Chinese medicine, and the majority of roots harvested in the United States are exported to China and Hong Kong. The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that wild ginseng is a $27 million per year industry. Other states allow you to harvest and export only ginseng that has been artificially propagated. These include Idaho, Maine, Michigan and Washington. So, if you propagate ginseng in the forests of your property in these states, you can harvest and sell it. Wild and cultivated Missouri ginseng must be certified by MDC: you do not need a license to harvest ginseng on private property, but get permission from the owner before searching for or collecting ginseng. Without authorization, you will be prosecuted for trespassing and/or theft. Laws on harvesting wild ginseng vary from state to state, but when allowed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has rules that dictate how to do it: You can harvest ginseng on private land with the owner`s permission. Harvesting ginseng on most states and federal states is prohibited.
Data for buying, selling or transporting ginseng: Wild ginseng can be harvested from September 1 to December 31. American ginseng has been harvested and exported for hundreds of years and, without regulation, could disappear. If you plan to grow or harvest wild American ginseng, know the rules in your area and follow them so that this plant continues to thrive in North American forests. So, can you harvest ginseng on your property or on public land? It depends on where you live. There are 19 states that allow wild ginseng harvesting for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The ginseng trader registration provides MDC with important information about the annual harvest of Missouri wild ginseng. A ginseng plant does not produce seeds until it is about five years old. By taking only mature plants and planting their seeds, you will help ensure that ginseng continues to thrive in the areas where it is collected. In addition, ginseng seedlings do not produce roots of high commercial value. The roots of larger, older plants are more valuable and contain a higher concentration of ginsenosides, the main ingredient that gives ginseng its medicinal properties.
Roots imported from other states, territories or countries must have a corresponding certificate of origin. Or email your questions to the state botanist in Malissa.Briggler@mdc.mo.gov. Division of Resource Science Missouri Department of Conservation PO Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 573-751-4115 How to certify roots: Contact your local MDC Conservation Officer. Certified roots can be owned, bought, sold, transported or exported year-round.