American Ginseng, (Panax quinquefolium), has been sought in America since the time of the early colonies.  Wild ginseng was discovered in western New England around 1750, and later in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont.  As settlers recognized the value of ginseng, its harvest and trade increased.  John Jacob Astor and Daniel Boone are just two of the famous Americans involved in ginseng harvesting in early America.  Boone is reported to have harvested several tons of ginseng for export to China in 1788 and Astor relied upon ginseng exports to help build his financial empire.  Ginseng had long been prized in China for its medicinal properties, as well as its purported qualities as an aphrodisiac.  It is still prized in the Orient today, although its use in the American health food market is growing rapidly as supplements become a larger part of the American diet.

 Finding ginseng in the wild is more difficult these days, but with some diligence and patience you’ll learn to identify the root.

 Clusters of five leaves protruding from a central stalk characterize the ginseng plant.   During its second year of growth, the plant will produce two prongs of leaf clusters.  In general, wild plants should only be harvested if they have at least three prongs.  Harvesting younger plants reduces the chance that healthy stands of wild ginseng will reproduce.   A four-pronged plant is fullymature, and will produce the best roots.  In July or August, the plants exhibit a cluster of green berries.  The cluster can contain fifty or more berries, which ripen to a deep red and fall from the plant in late August and September.

Ginseng is found throughout Illinois in the under story of deciduous hardwood stands, growing amongst the leaf litter.  The plant prefers shady rolling hills with moist, well-drained soils.  

                                American Ginseng

 Oftentimes, it is found on the northern and eastern slopes of these sites.  In the fall of the year, the plants turn a deep yellow.   In fact, ginseng is one of the earliest under story plants to begin turning, and this fact can help when trying to locate it in the timber.  In general, ginseng does not grow well in stands of evergreen trees, nor does it do well in oak leaf litter, as young ginseng plants find it hard to grow through the heavy oak leaves.  Looking for companion plants like Solomon’s seal, bloodroot and Goldenseal will help you locate ginseng.

Before you go out hunting, remember that Illinois requires you to purchase a Ginseng Harvester’s License.  This allows you to dig ginseng during the legal season, which runs from the last weekend of August through November 1.  Have the license in your possession at all times while out digging.  Also, always remember to get permission before you go digging on land you don’t own.  This courtesy should be extended to all landowners.

Most importantly, remember that this article does not contain all of the rules and regulations regarding ginseng hunting in Illinois.  For an updated copy of the IDNR Administrative Rule pertaining to ginseng harvesting, go to http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/1580.htm .  This website will give you a more complete list of the regulations enforced by the IDNR.  It also outlines the ginseng certification process required of all ginseng diggers.  You can generally certify your ginseng harvest at most DNR field offices, and must complete the certification process before selling your roots.

So, whether you are interested in digging ginseng for personal, medicinal use, or simply to pick up a few extra dollars, you will find that hunting wild ginseng can provide an interesting and challenging outdoor experience. Wild ginseng has commanded very high prices per pounds in the recent past, upwards of $150 to $200. So remember to purchase a license and obtain permission to dig ginseng before you venture into the timber, because all illegal ginseng seized by Conservation Police will be sold to purchase equipment for our division.

This article was written by Lake County Conservation Officer Jeff Kelley. CPO Kelley has cultivated ginseng for many years with his family in central Illinois, and actively follows the ginseng market. He is a member of the 2001 Conservation Police academy, joining our team from the National Park Service. He worked in Mesa Verde National Park for three years were he employed his talents in anthropology to study the native ruins. CPO Kelley possesses a Bachelor degree in criminal justice and a Bachelor and Masters Degree in anthropology, which is a valuable asset for our department considering the state and federal laws governing Illinois’ native artifacts. He is also well versed in fur-bearing mammals and trapping given his is relationship to the president of the Illinois Trappers Association, Jeff’s father.