Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
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 Trees Questions
Native trees safe for cattle in Waller TX
October 27, 2009 - I have a ranch where the pastures have no trees. Can you recommend native species which as safe for cattle and relatively maintenance free?
view the full question and answer
Tag on oak tree in Buda, TX
April 02, 2008 - I found a large oak tree on my property with a tag that has a number on it. Any idea what that means?
view the full question and answer
Adventitious sprouts from Live Oak in Dallas
February 26, 2011 - How do I kill Holly growing in my yard? I have a Live Oak tree growing in my Bermuda grass lawn. The holly grows under the tree from the trunk extending out about 12-15 ft. It grows right in with the ...
view the full question and answer
Disposal of Ashe juniper from Austin
March 07, 2013 - I am in western Travis County and we have been clearing our land of some of the Ashe Juniper. When there is not a burn ban, we burn them because there are just too many to shred. I was wondering if ...
view the full question and answer
Trees to plant around horse corrals
September 07, 2010 - I would like to know what types of trees would be good to plant around my horse corrals.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |