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)
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
Drought Resistant Privacy Screen for North Side of Austin Texas House
July 10, 2016 - We live in the densely populated Mueller development, where there's barely 3 feet from our home to the 6 foot high privacy fence between us and the house next door. Since the houses are 2 stories, we ...
view the full question and answer
Flowering Shade Plant for California
February 21, 2016 - I have a house north facing that has a "flower bed" in front that unfortunately is shaded 100% of the time. There are roses in the bed currently (they came with the house) but they do poorly. We are...
view the full question and answer
Law against planting cottonwood in Madison WI
October 08, 2013 - I was told that there is an ordinance against planting cottonwood trees in Madison, WI. Is this true?
view the full question and answer
Taking plants to Alaska
August 31, 2011 - I am moving from California to Alaska, can I take live plants?
view the full question and answer
Low, Easy Care Perennials for Lake Ontario Shore Planting
October 04, 2015 - I'm on Lake Ontario in New York. I have a lake bank slope, that’s about 1/8 mile long and about 40 feet high, and is on about a 40 degree angle. It is very hard to keep clear. The bank has just been ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |