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State forestry officials are trying to determine the effect a federal analysis of ginseng sustainability will have on the West Virginia harvest season beginning the 1st of September.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service analysis concludes that plants dug for export should be at least ten years old or have four or more leaf prongs in order to prevent a major decline in the availability of the root.
The ruling appears to eliminate the traditional harvesting of ginseng in WV.
West Virginia ginseng policy says harvested plants must be at least five years old and requires that all seeds from harvested ginseng be planted. Five-year-old plants are identified by having at least three leaf prongs.
Division of Forestry spokeswoman Leslie Fitzwater says it is not clear whether the federal "finding" has the effect of law, and when or whether it would be implemented here.
The Bush administration's ruling continues to allow for corporate greenhouse growing of the herb.
Earlier this year, the Legislature moved the start of the state's wild ginseng season back to September 1st from its previous starting date of August 15th to ensure that berries from harvested plants will be ripe and more likely to regenerate. The season ends November 30th.
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