American ginseng, ramps and pawpaw are slow-growing, shade-loving plants that thrive beneath Appalachian hardwood canopies but are vulnerable to overharvesting and habitat loss — pressures that can be eased through efforts like forest farming, according to a WVU researcher. (WVU Photo/Raymond Thompson)
Ahead of World Wildlife Day Tuesday (March 3) and with spring fast approaching, a West Virginia University expert says the medicinal and aromatic plants of the Appalachian Mountains support biodiversity and rural economies and carry centuries of traditional knowledge. But, she adds, overharvesting puts many at risk.
Kirsten Stephan, teaching professor of forest resources management and program coordinator of forestry in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is available to discuss the ecological, economic and cultural significance of medicinal Appalachian plant species, along with conservation strategies including forest farming and sustainable harvesting.
Quotes:
“The Appalachian Mountains are a global biodiversity hotspot for temperate flora. Ancient, unglaciated landscapes allowed species to persist and diversify over millions of years. In Appalachia’s mixed hardwood forests, shade-loving medicinal and edible plants thrive in remarkable abundance.
“Native American burning shaped Appalachian forests into dynamic, open, oak-dominated systems with diverse plant communities living below the forest canopy. Cultural fire practices increased light, recycled nutrients, and created habitat mosaics that likely enhanced the diversity of many edible and medicinal species.
“American ginseng is perhaps the most well-known Appalachian medicinal plant, valued in East Asian markets for centuries as an adaptogen that supports immune and metabolic health. It commands high prices, but slow growth and heavy harvesting pressure have led to population declines, making sustainable wild-harvest regulations and forest farming initiatives critical.
“Black cohosh is another cornerstone species, widely used for menopausal and hormone support. Its popularity in herbal supplements has created significant commercial demand. While still relatively widespread, localized overharvesting threatens wild stands, underscoring the need for monitoring, responsible sourcing and cultivated supply chains.
“Goldenseal, known for its antimicrobial alkaloids, has become emblematic of conservation challenges in the herbal trade. Once abundant, it has been heavily exploited and is now considered at risk in many parts of its range. Protecting goldenseal requires habitat preservation and a shift toward propagation, away from extractive wild collection.
“Ramps have gained national culinary fame. Their pungent flavor makes them a seasonal delicacy, celebrated in Appalachian festivals. Yet ramps reproduce slowly, and whole-plant harvesting can devastate colonies. Education around partial harvesting and cultivation is essential to prevent depletion.
“The pawpaw represents Appalachia’s largest native fruit. With tropical notes of banana and mango, pawpaw is gaining attention in regional food systems and agroforestry projects. As interest grows, it offers an opportunity to promote perennial agriculture that mirrors forest ecology while strengthening local economies.
“Many medicinal species are slow-growing perennials that require intact forest canopy, rich soils and stable microclimates. Timber extraction, land conversion and invasive species disrupt these delicate environments, but forest farming has emerged as a promising solution. By cultivating high-value botanicals beneath existing tree cover, landowners can generate income without clearing forests. This model supports biodiversity, improves rural livelihoods and reduces pressure on wild plant populations — demonstrating that conservation and economic development need not be opposing forces.
“Climate change introduces new uncertainties. Shifts in temperature, changing precipitation patterns and emerging pests threaten sensitive habitats. Species adapted to cool, moist microclimates may see their habitats get smaller, making monitoring essential for conservation planning.
“Protecting Appalachian medicinal and edible plants safeguards more than biodiversity. It preserves traditional knowledge, supports regional food sovereignty and maintains genetic resources with unexplored pharmacological potential. Appalachia is a powerful example of how ecological stewardship, cultural heritage and sustainable enterprise can intersect to build a resilient future.” — Kirsten Stephan, teaching professor of forest resources management and program coordinator of forestry, WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday.
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ks/2/26/26
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