Gastrodia elata from Hubei is primarily produced in the cold, damp, shady, and semi-shady slopes of the Shennongjia Forest District, at an altitude of 1200 to 1800 meters. This area boasts a forest coverage rate of 96%, with soil consisting of primitive humus that is loose, breathable, and rich in organic matter and natural minerals formed from decomposed leaves. The region experiences an average annual temperature of 6 to 10℃, with extreme highs not exceeding 28℃. The winter snow cover lasts for up to four months, and the annual rainfall ranges from 1800 to 2200 millimeters, with relative humidity consistently above 80%. The cold and humid environment slows down the growth rate, and thus, Gastrodia elata from Shennongjia requires 3 to 5 years of natural gestation before it can be harvested.

Shennongjia Gastrodia elata is characterized by its plump and solid form, with uniformly wrinkled yellowish-white skin and a translucent, horny luster on the cut surface. The vascular bundle rings on the cross-section are densely arranged. Its medicinal efficacy is significantly superior to that of ordinary Gastrodia elata: the gastrodin content is over 0.35% (1.75 times the 0.2% standard set by the National Pharmacopoeia), and the content of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and polysaccharides is increased by 40% to 60%. It is also rich in essential trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, and strontium. Clinical studies have shown that the efficiency of its analgesic active substances acting on the central nervous system is 2.3 times higher than that of ordinary Gastrodia elata, making it particularly suitable for the adjunctive treatment of intractable migraines and neurodegenerative diseases.