Rules for harvesting wild ginseng in Iowa

On Sept. 1, the Washington County Dispatch Center received a reporter of people trespassing to dig up ginseng. Three individuals received written warnings following the event, the ginseng was confiscated and the incident was passed onto the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The episode, however, serves as a good reminder to review the rules about harvesting ginseng.

The Iowa DNR serves as the state's ginseng coordinator, and publishes the dates during which wild ginseng can be harvested. The DNR requires a permit to harvest wild ginseng, which is valid from Sept. 1 until March 15 of the following year. However, ginseng may only be harvested between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. The permit must be carried at all times when harvesting, transporting or in possession of ginseng. Ginseng harvesters and growers may sell ginseng from Sept. 1 through March 15. Ginseng root retained for personal use after March 15 may not be sold.

Why harvest ginseng?

WebMD reports that ginseng has been used to treat medical ailments in Asia and North America for centuries. It is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world. Some studies have found that ginseng may boost the immune system. WebMD reports that there is some evidence that one particular type of American ginseng extract might decrease the number and severity of colds.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the majority of American ginseng harvested is exported to China.

Instructions for harvesting

The plant can only be harvested if it has three or more prongs and a flowering or fruiting stalk with red fruits. If the person digging up the plant realizes the root has fewer than five stem scars, the person must replant the ginseng in the same location. Furthermore, all persons harvesting ginseng must plant all seeds collected from such plants within 100 feet of the parent plant. The DNR recommends collecting seeds by gently pinching the plant. To plant a seed, press the seed no more than 1 inch into the soil.

Where to harvest

The DNR reminders ginseng harvesters to always get permission before harvesting ginseng on private property. Ginseng harvesting is not allowed on state-managed lands. Most county conservation boards prohibit the harvest of ginseng.

The DNR reports that Wild American Ginseng has been harvested in the United States for more than 250 years. It is a slow-growing herbaceous plant adapted to low-light conditions. It can be found in the eastern half of North America from the Midwest all the way to Maine and eastern Canada, especially in the Ozark and Appalachian regions.

Report poaching

Those who observe a violation of the above rules on harvesting ginseng are asked to call the DNR's tip line at 1-800-532-2020. They are asked to provide as much information as possible such as a description of the alleged violator, the vehicle (if any), the time and location of the incident. Since the TIP program (Turn In Poachers) began in 1985, more than $180,000 has been approved in reward payments to those who spotted the violation.