American Ginseng
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a native perennial plant and an important forest crop. It grows on well drained, rich soils under northern hardwoods. Much of New York State has the potential for growing ginseng, and it can be an important source of income for many New Yorkers.
Protection Status
American ginseng is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement between countries to ensure that international trade in certain plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild. American ginseng was listed in CITES Appendix II in 1975 due to concerns of the species being overharvested as a consequence of international trade. Appendix II allows trade that biologically sustainable and legal, and includes species that, although currently not threatened with extinction, may become so without trade controls. In order to ensure that American ginseng roots are legally and sustainably harvested, CITES permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are required to export American ginseng. For more information about CITES and American ginseng, please see the links in the right column.
Ginseng Program
New York's ginseng program exists to ensure the survival of the species in the wild, compliance with all Federal and International laws and regulations, and the viability of New York ginseng as a valuable forest product.
In 1987 regulations were adopted that established practices for the harvest and sale of American ginseng in New York State (6 NYCRR 193.4-193.8) (link leaves DEC website). These regulations established conservation practices including a ginseng harvest season and requirements for harvesting only mature plants. They also created a dealer permitting system and certification procedures. A year later, the United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved the New York State American Ginseng Program and lifted a ban on the export of New York grown ginseng. The program is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets all the federal requirements under CITES.
No ginseng may be harvested from any State Lands or from Finger Lakes National Forest. Ginseng diggers must obtain written permission from the landowner before harvesting on private property. Only mature plants may be harvested and the berries must be replanted immediately.
Ginseng Forms, Lists and Regulations
New York State American Ginseng Regulations (the bulleted links leave the DEC website)
- 193.4 Definitions
- 193.5 Collection, sale and conservation of American ginseng in New York
- 193.6 Certification of ginseng
- 193.7 Ginseng dealers
- 193.8 Penalties
New York State Ginseng Dealer List (PDF)
New York State Ginseng Dealer Permit Application (PDF)
New York State Ginseng Dealer Information Release Form (PDF)
New York State Ginseng Dealer Record & Report Form (PDF)
| Region | Contact | Address | Phone | Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Jason Denham | NYS DEC, Division of Lands & Forests 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4253 |
518-402-9425 | 518-402-9028 | jason.denham@dec.ny.gov |
| 1 | John Wernet | NYS DEC, SUNY at Stony Brook 50 Circle Road Stony Brook, NY 11790-2356 |
631-444-0285 | 631-444-0272 | john.wernet@dec.ny.gov |
| 2 | Tim Wenskus | NYS DEC 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101-5401 |
718-482-4942 | 718-482-4502 | timothy.wenskus@dec.ny.gov |
| 3 | George Profous | NYS DEC 21 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 |
845-256-3000 | 845-255-4659 | george.profous@dec.ny.gov |
| 4 | Scott Moxham | NYS DEC 65561 State Highway 10, Suite 1 (Jefferson Road) Stamford, NY 12167 |
607-652-7365 | 607-652-2342 | scott.moxham@dec.ny.gov |
| 5 | Rich McDermott | NYS DEC 232 Golf Course Road Warrensburg, NY 12885 |
518-623-1200 | 518-623-3603 | rich.mcdermott@dec.ny.gov |
| 6 | Andrea Mercurio | NYS DEC 7327 State Route 812 Lowville, NY 13367 |
315-376-3521 | 315-376-8059 | andrea.mercurio@dec.ny.gov |
| 7 | John Graham | NYS DEC 1285 Fisher Avenue Cortland, NY 13045-1090 |
607-753-3095 | 607-753-8532 | john.graham@dec.ny.gov |
| 8 | Cody Lafler | NYS DEC 7291 Coon Road Bath, NY 14810-9728 |
607-622-8262 | 607-776-4392 | cody.lafler@dec.ny.gov |
| 9 | Chris Enser | NYS DEC 182 East Union Street, Suite 3 Allegany, NY 14706-1328 |
716-372-0645 | 716-372-2113 | christopher.enser@dec.ny.gov |
More about American Ginseng:
- Ginseng Varieties and Glossary - A glossary of Ginseng varieties and terms.
