MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — If carefully managed, Appalachian medicinal plants and edibles can help support rural economies and preserve centuries of traditional knowledge, says a West Virginia University professor.
Kirsten Stephan, program coordinator of forestry at the university, says nature has conspired to create remarkably diverse forests in Appalachia, and their management can benefit generations globally if communities adopt methodologies for their care.
“Many medicinal species are slow-growing perennials that require an 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,” Stephan says.
“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 has also introduced new uncertainties, she says. “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.
The long history of Appalachian forests is the result of millions of years of development that cannot be replicated, she said.
“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.”
Even over the last several thousand years, changes in the forest brought about by indigenous peoples have played a role in its modern ecology and the appearance of Appalachian medicinal plants.
“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, likely enhancing the diversity of many edible and medicinal species.”
Five Appalachian plants to be aware of
Stephan said an endless variety of Appalachian medicinal plants range through its forests, and some are established in national and global markets. All require thoughtful harvesting.
Ginseng
“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,” Stephan says. The plant 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
“Black cohosh is another cornerstone species, widely used for menopausal and hormone support. Its popularity in herbal supplements has created significant commercial demand,” she says. While still relatively widespread, localized overharvesting threatens wild stands, underscoring the need for monitoring, responsible sourcing, and cultivated supply chains.
Goldenseal
“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
Ramps have gained national culinary fame. “Their pungent flavor makes them a seasonal delicacy, celebrated in Appalachian festivals,” Stephan says. Yet ramps reproduce slowly, and whole-plant harvesting can devastate colonies. “Education around partial harvesting and cultivation is essential to prevent depletion.”
Pawpaw
“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,” she says. “As interest grows, it offers an opportunity to promote perennial agriculture that mirrors forest ecology while strengthening local economies.”
Appalachian medicinal plants in the future
Stephan says she hopes to see more attention paid to Appalachian medicinal plants and edible plants in the next century.
“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,” Stephan says.
“Appalachia is a powerful example of how ecological stewardship, cultural heritage, and sustainable enterprise can intersect to build a resilient future.”
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RENICK, W.Va. — Ferns may be among the most overlooked plants in the West Virginia woodlands, though more than 50 species thrive in its mountains, according to native plant expert Barry Glick. “I can’t claim to be an expert in fern identification, and that’s not because they’re complicated; it’s just that I haven’t had the time to really study them to the depths that I’d like to,” Glick says. Yet, he knows more than he lets on and has provided information on eight ferns that fans of the Mountain State’s forests will want to look out for. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.