You may have heard of ginseng through various energy drink campaigns or medicinal use purposes, but did you know it is something that can be harvested in your back yard?

John Williamson is a Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer. He explains ginseng is a very popular herb overseas, and because of its prominence, it has all but become extinct, so the herb is in high demand.

[audio:90815114631-9815ginseng1.mp3] [/audio]

The roots of ginseng are extremely valuable and Williamson says the best ginseng is what is found in forested areas. He says what they are coming across recently is illegally cultivated ginseng.

[audio:90815114634-9815ginseng2.mp3] [/audio]

When cultivating ginseng, Williamson notes you can only harvest a plant that is 10-years or older and the berries it produces must be replanted.

[audio:90815114637-9815ginseng3.mp3] [/audio]

Ginseng harvesting is actually a season in Illinois. According to Williamson the season began Sept. 1. He indicates there are plenty of legal ways to harvest ginseng, but in some cases, the illegal cultivation of the herb could result in a felony at a state and even federal level.