Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers have contacted two separate suspects who have illegally harvested ginseng roots in the park. One suspect was found with 167 poached ginseng roots, and another was found with 521 poached roots, weighing 8 lbs.Collecting or possessing ginseng in the park is illegal and may result in fines of up to $5,000 and/or as much as six months in prison.
Thanks to the quick action of law enforcement rangers, many of the undamaged roots will be replanted in the park by the natural resources team. Long‑term data shows that only about one‑third of replanted roots will survive. This means that while replanting helps replace some of what is lost, many roots are still unlikely to survive.
Ginseng is a slow‑growing plant that can take 7–10 years to mature and make seeds, with some plants living more than 75 years. Wild ginseng is often taken illegally due to its use in traditional medicine. This illegal harvesting harms delicate habitats, takes away food that animals need, and reduces genetic diversity. As consumers, we can help protect ginseng by paying attention to where ginseng products come from and choosing ones grown sustainably, rather than from the wild.
Everything in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—from wildlife to plants to rocks—is protected. Illegal ginseng harvesting causes harm to the environment.
If you suspect poaching in the park, contact Great Smoky Mountains Dispatch: 865‑436‑1230.
Thank you to Friends of the Smokies, who have supported protections for ginseng in the park for decades.
