plantcollector said:I've got my own rule. If it's in the city or County where they mow the side of the road a lot I will dig it up. But if they don't mow I'll leave it and let mother nature take care of it.
Moonhowl said:Hi Brenden here is the "law" for plants in Michigan. The 3rd link is for Asclepias species that are a no-no to pick or dig. Just click on the name for a picture. Hope this helps.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,...
http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/data/s...
http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/explor...
Moonhowl said:Sorry Brenden. I think you are referring to Asclepias species (milkweed) when you say butterfly weed. There are 4 species of Asclepias growing in Michigan that are "protected".
On the 3rd link, click where it says New Search ,type in Asclepias or milkweed in the scientific or common name space and enter. It will give you a list of the 4 that are protected.
then you can click on the results for each plant for a picture and info.
The result for that looks like this:
All plants and animals named asclepias
4 species
Scientific Name Common Name Taxonomic Group
Asclepias hirtella Tall green milkweed Flowering Plants
Asclepias ovalifolia Dwarf milkweed Flowering Plants
Asclepias purpurascens Purple milkweed Flowering Plants
Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's milkweed Flowering Plants
bhart90 said:
It's the only one I have seen. And I make this trip every day for years.
Danita said:If it is Asclepias tuberosa (orange flowers) then it would be best to leave it. They have really deep taproots and are almost impossible to dig up without killing. Perhaps you could mark the area somehow and keep an eye out for seeds pods.
Horntoad said:
You say it's the only one you've seen, so if you take it there will be no more in the future. No one else can enjoy it and it will not be there for the Monarchs that desperately need it. Even though it may not be endangered in a state or global sense, if you have been driving this area for years and it's the only one you have seen then it would seem to be endangered in that locality. Just something to think about.
bhart90 said:I emailed dnr a hour ago.
And, the plant is no longer standing.