High-priced ginseng plants being poached from NC state parks

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Burke County deputies said two men were spotting stealing ginseng plants from South Mountain State Park.

Channel 9 learned that a pound of the roots is selling for more than $800 in North Carolina.

A man who has 20,000 ginseng plants on his property in the North Carolina High Country said he tries to keep his identity from being disclosed because of concerns someone could dig up the valuable plants.

"You try to be very careful,” he said. “This area is known for producing good ginseng in the past. So yes, we try to keep the word very quiet, very mum."

During the past month, there have been three arrests of suspected ginseng poachers in Watauga County and two more in Burke County.

The roots are used worldwide in a variety of ways.

It is popular in Asia where ginseng is often put in tea, and is believed to boost energy, lower cholesterol and reduce stress.

"There's even some recipes for ginseng chicken,” said Jim Hamilton, of Watauga County Extension. “It is consumed like coffee or chocolate is consumed in the U.S."

In Watauga County, as many as 200,000 property owners have shown interest in growing ginseng, but it takes patience.

Experts say it takes 8 to 10 years before the roots can be harvested.

"Ginseng seed sells for $150 a pound,” Hamilton said.

The price for the ginseng that grows wild in the North Carolina mountains once it's fully mature has soared, so when a theft happens, it can be devastating for a grower.

"It's heartbreaking to watch a crop that you have nurtured for 8-10 years be taken overnight,” Hamilton said.

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