HARRISBURG — The season to hunt for American ginseng root has been shortened and now will begin Sept. 1, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry.

Designed to protect the species, the regulation change moves the season opening date back from Aug. 1. Sought for medicinal and other properties, ginseng may be harvested across the state through Nov. 30.

Classified as PA Vulnerable, ginseng is protected under the Wild Resource Conservation Act overseen by DCNR. PA Vulnerable plants are in danger of population decline because of their beauty, economic value, or other factors which entice people to remove them from their native habitats.

For details on ginseng and harvesting regulations in Pennsylvania, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select Forestry under Quick Links, then Wild Plants); or contact Rebecca H. Bowen, chief, Ecological Services Section, Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552, 717-772-0258.