ATHENS, Ohio — For generations, American ginseng has been woven into the ecology, culture, and economy of Appalachia. Now, Rural Action is helping Appalachian forest landowners cultivate this culturally significant plant as a sustainable non-timber forest product, creating opportunities for supplemental income while supporting the conservation of wild ginseng populations.
For 25 years, Rural Action’s Forestry program has connected regional landowners and growers with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) through its annual ginseng seed sale. By making stratified seed available for planting, Rural Action helps landowners establish ginseng populations on their own forestland and participate in a more sustainable ginseng value chain.
American ginseng has been used by Native Americans for centuries for its medicinal properties and became an important Appalachian export beginning in the early 1700s. Its slow growth and high market value have made it one of the region’s best-known forest products, but that value has also contributed to overharvesting and declines in wild populations throughout much of its native range.
Many wild harvesters follow legal and sustainable practices, but illegal harvesting and trespass remain persistent concerns. Cultivating ginseng on private forestland offers another way to meet market demand while creating an intentional, managed source of the plant.
“Working with landowners to grow ginseng helps them create revenue from their land, preserves mature forests that provide critical habitat for birds like the wood thrush, and ensures the survival of a plant important to many families and communities across Appalachia,” said Joe Brehm, Co-CEO of Rural Action.
Unlike many agricultural crops, American ginseng can be cultivated within an existing forest. It thrives in mature, deciduous woodlands with cool, moist conditions and dappled shade. Suitable habitat often includes gentle north-, northeast-, and east-facing slopes beneath trees such as sugar maple and tulip poplar, alongside understory plants including spicebush, jack-in-the-pulpit, and native ferns.
Rural Action’s Forestry program helps landowners identify opportunities for growing ginseng and other non-timber forest products while maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Through site visits and technical assistance, Forestry staff can help landowners assess their woods and identify potential opportunities for forest-based income.
Rural Action’s 25th annual American ginseng seed sale is now open for orders. Stratified seed is available at the following prices:
- ¼ pound: $30
- ½ pound: $60
- 1–4 pounds: $110 per pound
- 5 pounds or more: $105 per pound
Approximately 1,600 seeds are contained in ¼ pound, enough to cover roughly 250 square feet when planted at recommended densities. Shipping charges apply, and local pickup can be arranged.
To purchase stratified American ginseng seed, visit Rural Action’s ginseng seed page or contact Lindsay Robertson at lindsayrobertson@ruralaction.org.
Ginseng is also part of Rural Action’s broader work supporting forest-based economies. At the Rural Action Herb Hub, growers can access shared-use equipment for washing, drying, cutting, and packaging ginseng and other herbs.
Landowners interested in growing ginseng or other non-timber forest products can contact Sara Tremayne at sarat@ruralaction.org or complete the Rural Action landowner intake survey.
Landowners and harvesters should familiarize themselves with applicable state and federal regulations governing American ginseng. In Ohio, wild ginseng may be harvested only from September 1 through December 31 and must meet minimum age requirements, with additional rules applying to public lands.
