Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - March 28, 2012
From: Atlantis, FL
Region: Select Region
Topic: Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Illegal to remove an orange blossom from ground in Florida from Atlantis FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is there any law that prevents someone from removing an orange blossom from the ground in Florida?ANSWER:
This sounds a lot like the rumors of the law that says it's against the law to pick bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas. What is against the law is trespassing onto private land and taking property (i.e., blooms or plants) from said property.We find it hard to believe that there would be any problem in removing orange blossoms from property; more likely the property owner would appreciate having some of the "trash" removed. Still, it's never a good idea to do anything on private land without permission, even removing a spent blossom.
We checked several sites on Florida's state flower, Citrus sinensis and, again, no mention of hands-off blossoms on the ground. Once they are on the ground, they are basically dead. They will still have that lovely fragrance which attracts pollinators, but they will soon turn brown and blow away. And since Citrus sinensis is not even native to Florida but to Vietnam, northwest India and southern China, we can't see how it would even reflect state patriotism to pick up a fallen blossom.
More Non-Natives Questions
Problem with acanthus in Vancouver BC
May 16, 2010 - My girlfriend's Mom just planted an Acanthus in her garden. In the morning, it apparently stands up tall, but in the evening it bends over until the the leaves are lying in the dirt. She's concerned...
view the full question and answer
Root cuttings for non-native, poisonous oleander from Mobile AL
December 16, 2010 - I need help with best method to root cuttings from my oleander tree. Please advise best method. Thanks
view the full question and answer
Will roots of non-native Bottlebrush damage foundation in Weslaco TX
April 02, 2011 - I have a bottle Brush tree planted 2 feet from a brick wall. The condo board told me to remove it for fear that it may crack the foundation of the wall. I don't want to remove it. I believe they are ...
view the full question and answer
Bastard cabbage in Austin TX
March 17, 2012 - Not sure if this is the forum to address this; but is there any effort out there to do something about the bastard cabbage taking over Austin? Especially on MoPac where you can hardly see the bluebon...
view the full question and answer
Care of non-native Sorbaria sorbifolia (false spiraea)
August 24, 2010 - I have 2 Sorbaria sorbifolia (false spiraea) that will not flower. This is their third summer. What should I do?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |