Black Cohosh - Non-Timber Forest Products

Joe-Ann McCoy 8 will soon publish a report on long-term population studies
of several black cohosh populations that may help determine acceptable
levels of seed harvest.
Export
The actual amount of black cohosh raw materials exported from the United
States is unknown. Estimates can be gleaned from industry market reports,
phytosanitary certificates, and U.S. Customs port data.
Phytosanitary Certificates
Phytosanitary certificates (PCs) are required by the International Plant
Protection Convention for exports of living plant material, including seeds,
to document the inspection of plant materials for harmful insects or disease.
In the United States, PCs are issued and recorded by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. PCs issued for black cohosh exports at U.S. ports between 1999
and 2002 are shown in table 2.
Table 2—Phytosanitary certificates for black cohosh exports, 1999–2002 a
Year Pounds Roots Bags/bales Seeds
1999 1,199 ≈ 16,786 roots 150 0 0
2000 8,623 ≈ 120,722 roots 0 234 0
2001 9,100 ≈ 127,400 roots 5,600 179 0
2002 33,080 ≈ 463,120 roots 21,720 0 12 oz.
Total 55,002 ≈ 728,028 roots 27,470 413 ≈ ? roots 12 oz. ≈ 144,000
a There are no standard reporting volumes on phytosanitary certificates. Quantities may be
reported in pounds, roots, bags/bales, or seeds.
It should be noted that there is no standard reporting volume on PCs. Thus,
shipments are reported variously in pounds, roots, bags, bales, or seeds.
This makes it difficult to interpret the data. For exports reported as bags
or bales, there is insufficient information to determine either the amount
(i.e, size), weight, or the nature of the material (i.e., roots or whole plants),
being exported. It is estimated that 12 ounces of seeds equals approximately
144,000 seeds. 9
8
Personal communication. 2003. Joe-Ann McCoy, Curator (Medicinals), U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station,
Ames, IA 50014.
9
Personal communication. 2004. Russ Richardson, Registered Forester, Weston, WV 26452.
13