Table of Contents
In Arkansas, Ginseng is found only in moist shaded locations in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains and on Crowley’s Ridge. This plant is very sensitive to seasonal conditions such as rain and temperature. During dry years, it often goes dormant before the harvest season begins.
Does ginseng grow wild in Arkansas?
Besides the Ozark Mountains, wild American ginseng grows in the Ouachita Mountains and in some spots along Crowley’s Ridge in east Arkansas. But more wild ginseng is being harvested in Appalachia, while Wisconsin does a booming business in cultivated ginseng.
Where is the best place to dig ginseng?
Remember that the combination of shade and moisture create the best environment for ginseng to grow. Go to forests that have Beech Trees, Maple Trees, Hickory trees, Oak Trees, Basswood Trees, and Tulip Poplar Trees. Ginseng grows well in the shade of these trees.
Is it legal to harvest ginseng in Arkansas?
Arkansas is one of 19 states in which ginseng is allowed to be harvested, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Arkansas State Plant Board regulates the harvest, sale and export of wild American ginseng in the state.
Can you sell ginseng in Arkansas?
No license is required to harvest or sell ginseng in Arkansas. A Ginseng Dealer License is required to buy wild or cultivated ginseng in Arkansas for sale across state lines.
How much is wild ginseng per pound?
The average price paid for the 2019-20 season was $550 per pound for dry and $160 per pound for green. It takes almost 300 roots to make one pound of dry ginseng.
Is it illegal to dig ginseng?
It is illegal to harvest American ginseng roots on most State lands and all National Park Service land. Some U.S. Forest Service National Forests issue harvest permits for wild ginseng while other National Forests prohibit the harvest of ginseng.
What side of the hill does ginseng grow on?
The side of the hill that ginseng grows on is usually Eastern or Northern-facing slopes of its deciduous, mixed hardwood forests. These forested hills are common in the Appalachian and Ozark regions, making it the perfect place for ginseng to grow.
What states allow you to grow ginseng?
There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng 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.
Can I grow ginseng at home?
Ginseng can also be grown successfully indoors using containers with drainage reservoirs placed out of direct sunlight. Seeds are to be sown in the fall at a depth of about 1 ½ inches, while roots should be planted under 3 inches of soil and do best when planted in early spring.
How do you identify ginseng?
Identifying American Ginseng American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) can be most easily identified by its three-pronged (or more) five-leaflet display of the mature plant. W. Scott Persons, in “American Ginseng, Green Gold,” says the best way to identify “sang” during the digging season is to look for the red berries.
What is ginseng good for?
It is commonly touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It could also help regulate blood sugar levels and have benefits for some cancers. What’s more, ginseng may strengthen the immune system, enhance brain function, fight fatigue and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
What is wild ginseng?
Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root that often looks like a human body with stringy shoots for arms and legs. Native Americans used the root as a stimulant and to treat headaches, fever, indigestion, and infertility. Ginseng remains one of the most popular herbs in the United States.
How much is an acre of ginseng worth?
The ginseng market varies from year to year, but when the price is high it’s possible to net up to $50,000 per acre. There is one drawback: it takes from five to 10 years for the roots to reach a marketable size.
How do I sell ginseng?
There are three main ways to sell ginseng roots. First is to sell directly to wholesale buyers. This gets you paid right away, and you can sell right out of your backyard nursery. Second is to sell to out-of-state buyers.
Is growing ginseng profitable?
Growers can make a solid income from even a small space, as well. For example, a half-acre planted in ginseng will start producing seeds in the third year. At the current prices, a half acre garden could produce $100,000 worth of seeds and roots over a six year period, or over $16,000 per year.
Can I harvest ginseng on my own property?
Get permission from the property owner to harvest ginseng on private property. Federal lands. It is illegal to harvest American ginseng roots on most State lands and all National Park Service land. Harvest of wild ginseng on U.S. Forest Service National Forest lands is limited to certain National Forests.
Can you grow ginseng in your backyard?
Best of all, there is no huge time commitment necessary to start ginseng farming. You can earn some nice extra cash growing ginseng in your backyard nursery. You don’t need several acres to do it either. In fact, after six years you can make over $100,000 with just a half-acre of land.
Where can I find ginseng root?
American ginseng is found throughout deciduous forests in eastern and central United States and in southeastern Canada. It is a slow-growing perennial that typically grows 8 to 15 inches tall. It grows predominantly in woodland, favoring slopes with rich soil and dense shade.
