Question: I have been hunting for wild ginseng and have dug up a few plants. Attached is a picture of a …
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Question
I have been hunting for wild ginseng and have dug up a few plants. Attached is a picture of a root of a plant that I believe to be ginseng and I'm hoping that you will be able to tell me yes or no. One individual told me it was sarsaparilla root. I found these plants on the eastern side of a mountain in the Appalachian Mountains in PA in a very rocky, steep area with all of the plants around it that is described on line as being neighboring plants. The leaves were in groups of 3-5 on each prong
Answer
Dear Bennyboy15857, those do not look like the roots of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). They may be the proximal portion of the stem and rhizome of Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), but they are not a perfect match for those I've seen in the northeast. Be sure if you are digging ginseng that you are replanting the fruits (i.e., following conscientious protocols to steward the populations). This plant is under threat due to over collection by those who don't practice traditional methods of ensuring continued harvests. Best wishes.
