Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - April 06, 2012

From: Reading, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Laws, Planting
Title: Transferring a palm tree from Florida to Pennsylvania from Reading PA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Is it legal to transport a small palm tree (12" high) from FL to PA?

ANSWER:

The plant laws that we could find all had to do with bringing plants in from other countries, especially invasive ones. Also, some states have inspection of live plants for insect infestations that might spread. The Meditteranean fruit fly problem in California is an example.

There are many different species of palms, not all of them native to North America. We are assuming this is a house plant, which means it is probably not native. If it is intended to be planted outside, I think you will find the Pennsylvania climate not hospitable to a palm. We can think of no reason why it would be illegal to move a small houseplant from state to state.

 

More Plant Laws Questions

Florida law on removing orange trees
March 24, 2007 - I live in a co-op mobile home park with a board of directors that tell me that if I have to cut down my orange tree that Florida law says that I have to replace it with another orange tree. I say that...
view the full question and answer

Digging wild buttercup from roadside in Mechanicsville MD
May 28, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants, is it illegal to dig out wild buttercup in Maryland? I see them along the dirt road or just in the ditch. Since buttercup considered weed, I'm wondering what the law say about this...
view the full question and answer

Moving houseplants from New York to Florida
August 02, 2011 - We are relocating to Florida from New York and would like to bring our houseplants with us. Are there any laws forbidding indoor plant transport into Florida???
view the full question and answer

Can I move my Dwarf Orange tree from California to Florida?
April 12, 2012 - I am moving from California to Florida and have a small dwarf orange tree. Can I bring it with me to Florida? Thanks!
view the full question and answer

Inspection of house plants moving to Florida
December 02, 2014 - Hi. I am hoping to move from Chicago to Florida any month at this time. I have a collection of house plants, does anyone know where I can get them inspected and certified so they'll be allowed into...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.