Where to find native Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) in Michigan (Oakland county)? - Ask Extension
Where can one find fresh or wild native Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) in Michigan (Oakland county)? I'd prefer not to buy it online or third hand...
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Where to find native Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) in Michigan (Oakland county)? #922308
Asked November 22, 2025, 1:28 PM EST
Where can one find fresh or wild native Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) in Michigan (Oakland county)? I'd prefer not to buy it online or third hand at an Asian food store. Ingham, Jackson and Washtenaw counties are fine too since I sometimes travel there.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
MSU Extension does not recommend brands or retailers, so we do not keep a list of sources. There are sites to help you.
If you are searching for a source of native plants you can use the Northern Bee Network's “find a producer” service: https://northernbeenetwork.org/michigan-plant-producers/
The harvest of wild ginseng is prohibited without an MDNR permit. The plant is endangered in the wild. The Michigan Ginseng Act of 1994 regulates its harvest, sale, and distribution. So, you will need to find an authorized retailer.
If you are looking for ginseng as a consumable product, MSU does not maintain a list of brands or retailers. This article about growing ginseng from MDARD has an information contact number at the bottom, which may be helpful.
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/pesticide-plant-pest/pesticide/faqs_ginseng.pdf?rev=c8175fcd82c24a4d9e1fd<personal data hidden>a
MSU Extension does not recommend brands or retailers, so we do not keep a list of sources. There are sites to help you.
If you are searching for a source of native plants you can use the Northern Bee Network's “find a producer” service: https://northernbeenetwork.org/michigan-plant-producers/
The harvest of wild ginseng is prohibited without an MDNR permit. The plant is endangered in the wild. The Michigan Ginseng Act of 1994 regulates its harvest, sale, and distribution. So, you will need to find an authorized retailer.
If you are looking for ginseng as a consumable product, MSU does not maintain a list of brands or retailers. This article about growing ginseng from MDARD has an information contact number at the bottom, which may be helpful.
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/pesticide-plant-pest/pesticide/faqs_ginseng.pdf?rev=c8175fcd82c24a4d9e1fd<personal data hidden>a
One more resource for you, with contact info at the bottom:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest/plant-health/plant-health-certification-and-export-program/ginseng
The staff at MDARD may have a list of authorized growers.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest/plant-health/plant-health-certification-and-export-program/ginseng
The staff at MDARD may have a list of authorized growers.
