Ginseng and Medicinal Plants

Why do people grow woodland medicinal plants?

Some native woodland plants have long been gathered for traditional use and sold into herbal markets. American ginseng is the best known. Owners with shaded, hardwood-covered ground sometimes wonder whether such a crop could earn money without cutting the trees.

The idea is appealing, but remember that a high price per pound does not mean an easy profit. These plants grow slowly, need specific sites, face theft and disease, and sell into markets that can change without warning. Treat the idea as a long experiment rather than a plan for steady income.

How long does it take, and what does it need?

Woodland roots take years to mature, and the crop is usually not ready for harvest until long after planting. During that time you must protect the planting from deer, rodents, slugs, disease and people. Many beginners underestimate the years of patience this requires.

Site conditions matter a great deal. The plants usually want rich, well-drained, shaded soil under certain hardwoods, and a poor site will give a poor result. Your Extension office can test soil and point to regional growers' guides. Do not buy planting stock until you know the site is right.

• Years of waiting before any harvest.
• A shaded, well-drained site under suitable hardwoods.
• Constant protection from animals and thieves.
• Records of every planting date and location.

What laws apply?

Ginseng and several other woodland plants are regulated. Harvest and sale are typically controlled by state rules, and international trade involves federal oversight. Seasons, permits, dealer licenses, harvest age and certification rules differ from one state to the next and are updated over time.

Before you plant, harvest or sell, contact your state department of natural resources or agriculture and ask for the current rules. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains federal requirements for trade in certain species. I will not state any season or regulation here, because they change and differ by state.

Public land is a separate matter. Taking plants from state or national forest land usually requires permission, and some places forbid it entirely. Never assume that a plant growing on public ground is free to take.

What about theft and poaching?

Valuable roots in unattended woods are a target. Some growers keep their locations private, use cameras where legal and ask neighbors to report strangers. Others choose to grow less valuable plants for this reason.

Do not set traps or take risky actions against trespassers. Report theft to your county sheriff and talk to your insurance agent. Your own safety and the safety of others come before the plants.

Good records also protect you. Dated photos, a planting map and receipts for seed or roots can matter if you ever need to prove ownership of a crop or file an insurance claim.

How reliable are the markets?

Prices for woodland medicinal plants have swung widely in the past. Buyers may be few, and the work of drying, grading and documenting a crop can be demanding. Be skeptical of any seller of seeds or roots who promises a large return, since the person selling you planting stock profits whether or not you succeed.

Ask more than one buyer about their requirements before you invest. A small business adviser through SBA programs can help you assess costs, and your Extension office may know of local growers who will talk honestly about their experience.

What about using the plants as medicine?

This article is about growing and selling plants, not about health. Herbal products can interact with prescription drugs, affect people differently and vary in quality. Never use a plant to treat an illness in place of medical care.

If you or someone you care for has a health concern, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product. For a suspected poisoning, call 911 or your regional Poison Control center.

What do experienced growers wish they had known?

Many say they wish they had started smaller and spent more time on the site. They also wish they had understood how much of the work is protection rather than growing. Fencing, watching and replanting can take as much effort as the crop itself.

Others mention the value of connecting with a regional grower network and the importance of a backup plan. If the planting fails or the market drops, what will you do with the ground? A woodlot that also grows timber and supports wildlife offers a fallback that a single specialty crop does not.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.