VULNERABLE PLANTS: Yesterday we covered upcoming area workshops
dealing with American ginseng and a few other native plants. Some
of the native plants are considered “vulnerable” by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which has set strict laws for
harvesting, sales and distribution.

In addition to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), they
are goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and yellow lady’s slipper
(Cypripedium parviflorum Salisb.)

GINSENG: American ginseng and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) are
native to eastern North America and eastern Asia respectively. From
a therapeutic standpoint, they are considered to be the most
valuable members of the genus and are the basis of the
international ginseng trade. The plant’s forked roots are used as a
stimulant, general tonic and kind of aphrodisiac.

According to a brochure published by Penn State University and
written by Michael Jacobson and Eric Burkhart, who is leading the
workshops we described: Approximately 90-95 percent of the wild
American ginseng root harvested in the United States is destined
for the Asian market. They note that Asian buyers pay particular
attention to color, rings on the roots, age and geographical
origins. “Ginseng from Pennsylvania results from a unique set of
soil and climate conditions that cannot be duplicated elsewhere,
which is reflected in the commercial value of harvested roots.”

With support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
Wild Resource Conservation Program, researchers with the Penn State
School of Forest Resources conducted ginseng research in
Pennsylvania during 2004-07. Results from this research are being
shared with the public during 2008-09.

GOLDENSEAL: Botanists consider goldenseal or yellow root to be
the only living representative of the genus Hydrastis. There are
both domestic and international markets for the plant, which
herbalist, folk and Native American traditions consider an
antibiotic (for eye and skin infections, dental rinse, and
treatment of colds) and a bitter (to aid digestion).

The leaves and stems may be gathered and used along with the
root but experts say there is greater commercial demand for the
root.

Jacobson/Burkhart write that “unlike American ginseng for which
a premium is paid for ‘wild’ or wild-appearing roots, forest-grown
goldenseal has no wholesale ‘niche’ market. On the contrary, some
buyers have shown a willingness to pay a premium for a cultivated
product in recent years. … Growing goldenseal under artificial
shade-cloth is not only possible but may result in greater economic
returns due to increases in yield and efficiency.”

TOMORROW: We will conclude the series with information on yellow
lady’s slipper and harvesting laws.