How to Find and Harvest Wild Ginseng

Ginseng is a valued plant both medicinally and monetarily. If you would like to find some genuine wild ginseng but don't know where to look, this article is for you.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• pitchfork
• small and large digging spade
• dandelion picker or similar tool
• small wooden platform, with plenty of drainage

1. Check to be sure it's legal for you to harvest wild ginseng in your area. Some areas may require permits so be sure to obtain them before hunting.

2. Familiarize yourself with what the ginseng plant looks like at different stages of growth. Scour the internet for some great photos. Print them out and make a notebook to take with you.

3. Call the extension office in the area you would like to hunt and ask if wild ginseng is found in your area. These areas areas are usually those states east of the Mississippi, Washington and Oregon.

4. Ginseng prefers shady areas where it is not too hot. You will have the best luck searching in mature forests within the canopies of various hardwood trees. The more undergrowth, the higher your chances of finding a good ginseng area.

5. Harvest mature ginseng plants. Those which are an average of 7 yrs old are mature and will have 7 scars showing on the 'stem' near the ground. One for each year of growth.

6. Dig a circle all around the mature ginseng plant's root with your digging tool of choice. It is vital that you not damage the root with your digging tool so go a fair distance around the root. Once it is loose, pull it up and shake off the excess dirt.

7. Never scrub your ginseng roots or you will take away much of their value. You can soak them for a short period of time in very cold water to remove excess soil but be sure to lay the ginseng roots out to dry on something which is ventilated even at the bottom so as to not risk water damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a copy or subscription to Fur Fish and Game magazine. In this magazine you will find current prices being paid for wild ginseng.

• Familiarize yourself with Cohosh and Goldenseal plants as well since they are often found in the same areas as wild ginseng and are also monetarily desirable finds.

• You can purchase ginseng seeds and grow your own. This can be a fulfilling hobby in itself and can help prepare you for more successful hunting by taking up the hobby.

• If you are not sure of your find, take it to your local extension office for proper identification.

Resources

• Determine age of wild ginseng plant