Wild ginseng has been harvested for many years and is cultivated commercially for its root, both in its natural range and in the Pacific Northwest.
American ginseng shows variations in characteristics, particularly in the roots.
Western types usually have long, thin roots of undesirable qualities. Plants from the northern part of the country, particularly Wisconsin and New York, are the most desirable for export, furnishing roots of good size, weight, and shape, and are generally considered the best breeding stock. Cultivated roots usually are heavier and more uniform than wild roots, although they command a lower price in the market. The market price of the cured root is based on color, maturity, size, and form. Ginseng is valued by some Chinese and Koreans, who believe the dried roots have stimulant properties.