West Virginia (WOAY) West Virginia’s forests are home to a valuable root: ginseng.
The state’s ginseng digging season is now underway and runs through November 30.
Ginseng grows in all 55 counties and is particularly common in cool, moist forests.
State forestry officials remind foragers there are rules to follow.
Digging is prohibited on state forest land, and you must have written permission to dig on private property that you don’t own.
Foragers may only harvest plants with three or more prongs and at least 15 leaflets, with mature red berries.
Ginseng roots must be sold to a registered West Virginia dealer or weigh-receipted at a forestry weigh station by March 31.
More information is available through the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
