I found several replies to my inquiry about this Owen County herb most
interesting. A few are copied as follows:
1. It
takes several years for the root to grow to harvestable size, with the
most
prized and expensive roots with a split bottom, in the shape of a man
(legs).
2. I was told that my great-great uncle hunted for ginseng all over Owen
County in his lifetime. He lived near Buckskin in Jackson township.
3. ...would run into Ginseng hunters with a bag over their shoulder.
Yes it
did grow in the area at least in the 60's. Especially a couple of
counties farther south on down to the Ohio. I am not the expert, but in
was in wooded, hilly areas.
4. ...We had a big buyer here until a few years ago
when he got in trouble with the authorities. I think there are those who
try to cultivate it but the wild is supposedly a better grade.
5. the climate and soil conditions have to be right.
There is a gingseng farm in Beech Creek twp. of Greene or it may be in
Monroe Co. Also the wild gingseng root
is almost gone now, and I think there is restrictions on when and how
much
you can cut.
I hope this is of interest to any "down home horticulturists" on this
list...Jay Jones