CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Ginseng hunters can head into West Virginia’s woods next week for the start of this year’s harvest.

The state’s ginseng season starts Sept. 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

The Division of Forestry cautions hunters that ginseng root cannot be harvested from public lands. Also, the plant must be at least five years old.

Only plants with three or more prongs are considered old enough to harvest. State law requires ginseng hunters to replant the seeds from the parent plant in the spot where it was harvested.

Ginseng root is thought to have medicinal properties, and has sold for hundreds of dollars a pound.

The division says collectors have until next March 31 to sell their harvest to a registered ginseng dealer or to obtain a weight receipt at a Division of Forestry station.

Three dozen citations were issued this year for ginseng-related violations, including digging out of season.