Hunting Wild Ginseng in Tennessee and Kentucky

In the backwoods of Tennessee and Kentucky, an old tradition continues every late summer and fall. That tradition is hunting American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). To some it’s a side hustle and to others it’s a way of life passed down from generation to generation. Hunting ginseng in the south is woven into the culture of Appalachian living. There were times that hunting ginseng was a crucial component of a family’s income. That still rings true today however, it has become more of a pastime or side hustle to most.

Wild ginseng is a very slow maturing plant that is sought after for its medicinal properties. In eastern Asia it is believed to boost energy, reduce stress, and promote longevity. Wild ginseng   is far more valuable than cultivated due to its potency and scarcity.

In Tennessee and Kentucky, the harvest of wild ginseng is regulated to protect dwindling populations. Poaching, overharvesting, and habitat loss have made responsible harvesting more important than ever. The harvest season is September 1st through December 31st. Buying season runs until March 31st.  Best time to dig is generally September through mid October. This allows the plant to have already developed its distinct red berries and the roots have reached maturity. Since Ginseng sells by the ounce, allowing the roots to reach optimal size is crucial. Also at this time the leaf structures are still intact making them easier to identify.

In most states, plants must have a minimum of three leaf clusters (prongs) and be 5 years old or older to be harvested. The smaller plants need to be left in order for propagation of the plants to continue. The two primary contributors to the increased scarcity of ginseng have been, Over harvest and the increase in interest in the outdoors. The increase in users of this resource grew exponentially post covid as well.

Wild ginseng thrives in well shades, moist, and rich soils throughout its range.  North or East facing slopes tend to be better locations. Good indicators of a rich soil is when the forest floors are blanketed in old leaves, moss, and fern species. In addition ginseng grows best in areas with sugar maple, tulip poplar, hickory, and beech trees. It’s also common to find it cohabitating with companion plants such as Mayapple, bloodroot, and jack-in-the-puplit. Great Tennessee areas ro begin your search would be on the Cumberland Plateau, the Great Smoky Mountains foothills, and much of Middle and East Tennessee hold ideal ginseng habitat. Remember that harvesting on public land is generally prohibited.

Learning how to Dig, Dry, and store ginseng is key for a gatherer. The tools needed are not all that different from gathering mushrooms. A small screwdriver, a bag to carry the roots, and a good pair of boots, since walking is a key component, is all you need. Once a plant has been harvested alway replace the berries around the base of the plant to insure future generations of ginseng. The old timers had the “half rule” where you only harvest half of the mature plants in a patch of wild ginseng. That rule is even more important today with the popularity of ginseng hunting growing every year. Once harvests clean the roots with a soft brush, never use water or soap to clean. Then allow the roots to dry slowly in a warm,dry, and shaded place. DO NOT try to speed up the process with heat or you will degrade the quality of the roots. Years ago we used to string the roots up on a piece of fishing line and hang them to dry. It was a good method.

In both Tennessee and Kentucky, hunting wild ginseng isn’t just about profit. It’s about tradition, respect for the land, and careful stewardship. This is a legacy that runs deep in the Appalachian foothills. When done legally and responsibly, ginseng digging is a sustainable way to stay connected with the woods, earn some money, and preserve a cultural heritage as old as the hills themselves.

So lace up your boots, grab your walking stick, and head for the hollers.