Berry Ripening and Harvest Season in Wild American Ginseng

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is a rare to uncommon CITES Appendix II-listed perennial plant species that is harvested from the wild to supply the herbal trade. Harvest seasons for American ginseng are intended to coincide with berry ripening in the species. However, geographic patterns of harvest seasons among states suggest they may not be tied to ripening phenology. In this study, we experimentally established the relationship between berry color and subsequent seed germination 1.5 years later in a natural population. We then monitored berry ripening August 15, September 1, and September 15 in 31 populations across much of ginseng's natural range. We found no biological basis for state-to-state differences in harvest seasons, and clear evidence that in some states the harvest season is set too early to ensure full berry ripening. Variation among years was examined in a subset of populations: Results from that analysis do not alter the conclusion that improvement in ginseng management could be achieved by establishing biologically based harvest seasons.