Harvest season for ginseng, a highly-regulated plant in Virginia, is almost here

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Ginseng harvest season in Virginia begins on Sept. 1. For those interested in collecting this valued plant, there’s several regulations to be aware of — because violating them could result in hefty fines, jail time or both.

Wild American ginseng is a highly-regulated product in Virginia. Not only is it a threatened species in the Commonwealth, but it’s protected by an international treaty, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

Ginseng, which can be harvested from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 in Virginia, has a variety of uses, both culinary and medicinal. In the latter case, the root of the ginseng plant is used to treat a wide variety of ailments

In 2023, about 1,700 pounds of ginseng roots were harvested by diggers in the Commonwealth — and considering it takes between 250 and 300 roots to equal just one pound, that is a significant amount of harvesting. VDACS estimates the value of that collected ginseng to be nearly $1.2 million.

VDACS warns that anyone who wishes to harvest ginseng for themselves must follow several regulations to avoid penalties like jail time and large fines.

Firstly, when harvesting ginseng from anywhere but your own land, you must follow Virginia harvesting regulations. This includes only harvesting during harvest season.

Ginseng that is less than five years old, has fewer than four stem scars on its rhizome or has fewer than three prongs cannot be harvested. Additionally, you must plant the ginseng’s seeds at the harvest site immediately after harvesting.

Failure to abide by these regulations — again, unless you are harvesting on your own private land — can result in up to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to $2,500 or both.

It is illegal to harvest ginseng on most public lands, including state and national parks and forests. In the few public places where it is permitted, anyone interested in harvesting the plant must get a permit from the appropriate office or agency before doing so.

On federal lands, harvesting any part of a ginseng plant is always a crime. According to VDACS, if caught, a person could face a fine of up to $5,000, six months in jail or both.

If you wish to harvest ginseng from a person’s private property, you must obtain written permission to do so. That permission must be on your person while you harvest.

“Landowners are encouraged to observe the same size and age restrictions and seed planting guidelines to help ensure the continued, long-term viability of wild ginseng when ginseng digging occurs on their property,” VDACS said.

For more information on ginseng harvest season, where you can harvest and other regulations, check out VDACS’ website .

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