Is that missiletoe?

Looks like American ginseng to me.

Virginia creeper?

Ginseng

That's what it is-Ginseng. This year it sold for $870.00 a pound. A friend went up on the hill here and dug quite a bit-he brought me a couple of roots and some berries to replant

Cool

WOW! I'm glad you got it for so much less!!! Much health to you, my friend!!! My guess was also going to be mistletoe!

The berries would make you think that, those three (limbs) sticking out from the main stem are called prongs and in this state they have to have 3 prongs before you can dig them up. I guess the buyer can tell by looking at the root how old they are, and can turn you in to the Game Warden-(Dept. of Agriculture) They have a hunting season on it here.

Wow! Incredible!!!

where is 'here'? if its worth that much, how come evbody isnt growing it? hmmm.. interesting, think i'll look it up..

I found this on the net -

"Ginseng is sometimes a difficult plant to grow. It is a plant that requires commitment for the fact that roots are best when left to maturity for 5-10 years. It is a committed gardener that decides to plant a crop, waiting 5-10 years to harvest the best and most potent roots is a task filled with risk, patience, and an eye to the distant future."

It appears you can buy starter plants on ebay from May to December.

interesting..i did look it up, only 19 states allow u to grow it n sell it..

Right now there's a show on NTGEO (Smokey Mt. Money) till 8 pm that's about ginseng and on the History Channel there's one called Appalachian Outlaws-aired in January about ginseng in West Virginia. I think different States pay different prices. 2 of my neighbors have patches they started from local roots. I tried the berry in a planter but it didn't do so good.

Will you try with a root starter?

I don't know that I would personally but if you have the root that would probably be a good way to go, and keep it close or well hidden and never tell anyone where it is. My neighbor had his patch stolen 2 summers ago and right in the daylight. A friend of mine buys it from sellers at the Flea Mkt. and I'll ask him next time I see him what would be the best way and if he has a dampish root I'll see if he'll let me buy it from him. He usually won't buy it unless it's completely dry because being damp makes it weigh more. I have one buyers name and phone # if you'd like to call and talk to him.

Thanks but I live in an apartment complex. I have no land to grow it in.

Wow! Love hearing about this!!!

http://profitsfromnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ginseng-seed-FWS.gov_.jpg