Ginseng
"The root of
life"
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Ginseng |
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(Updated online version http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/agroforestry/sare/ginseng.htm)
American ginseng Panax quinquefolium is believed
to invigorate, rejuvinate and revitalize the human system, while research
suggests a scientific basis for the use of ginseng as an adaptogen or general
body tonic. Presently American ginseng is the most valuable herbal medicinal
root crop in the USA and Canada. The expanding market value and steady demand
for woods grown ginseng offers an attractive economic opportunity for woodland
owners with suitable site conditions for cultivating this perennial root crop.
While
the plant can be relatively difficult to cultivate, it is a proven commercial
crop that grows in eastern North American woodlands and favors north- or east-facing
slopes and well-drained, humus-rich, light-textured loam soils. Shade of 70
to 90% is required.
The reader considering going into production is referred to these growers guides: (1) Beyfuss, 1999. (2) Persons, 1994
For additional information about American ginseng production in New York state and the Northeast see the website of Greene County Cooperative Extension with whom ginseng specialist Robert (Bob) Beyfuss is associated: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/greene/greene.html and the website of the Empire State Ginseng Growers Association (ESGGA) managed by Scott Harris: http://www.catskillginseng.com/
For further information:
http://www.unl.edu/nac/afnotes/ff-3/ff-3.pdf
http://www.unl.edu/nac/afnotes/ff-4/ff-4.pdf
(1) The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng, by Bob Beyfuss, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County, HCR#3, Box 906, Cairo, New York 12413. (2) Persons, W.S., 1994. American ginseng: Green Gold. Bright Mountain Books, Asheville, NC.