Question
is it illegal to dig up plants growing wild in alabama ? there are several that grow wild there, and if you dig them up ,is it illegal to take them out of alabama? i live in ms

Answer
Hi Linda,

For two species it would be a federal crime, Sarracenia oreophila and Sarracenia rubra ssp. alabamensis.  These are both endangered species.  For other varieties it would depend on Alabama state law.  Even aside from that, it's considered unethical at best since so many carnivorous plants are getting rare.  The only exceptions might be certain sundews such as Drosera capillaris which is very common, and Drosera intermedia.  Many of the aquatic Utricularia are super common also.  I was at a camp  in North Carolina one time where they were pitch-forking Utricularia gibba out of their swimming area.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com