Can I get in trouble for harvesting a wild cactus in California to use in my yard?

Answer 1

if it is in a national park or reserve , then i would say yes if you feel that might like to dig it up and tuck it under your wing and take it home !
where i live in oz , grass trees are very much a favourite for a lot of people who think because there are so many , that they have a god given right to help themselves --- wrong , wrong , wrong --- they are indeed protected ( as are a lot of other flora ) and when i purchased one it cost me an arm and a leg --- but it was worth it --- as the process i went trough meant the plant came with it,s receipt and i.d. tag which meant that if someone came to visit couldn't throw it up to me and say " where'd ye get yer grass tree --- which park did you knock it off from !!? .
excuse me here's my i.d tag etc .
the bottom line is don't take anything from anywhere unless you are absolutely sure you can --- best bet is to ask any authority that think might need to be consulted --- you may be quietly surprised what you can indeed take if you will ; cover yer bum mate . good luck .

Answer 2

I don't know what the laws are in California, but it is against the law here in Nevada to dig up cactus or any wild flowers or plants.

Answer 3

cactuses are all protected species. leave it where it is because on your lawn its just a trophy and it will likely die. cactuses are very sensitive to microclimates. With the amount of water needed to sustain a lawn, a cactus would die.

Answer 4

depends on the cactus ,depends on the land ,
if it is a protected species you can even go to jail,

if it is not you are enlarging Nature, which is comendable

Answer 5

check with the local garden centers they should know

Answer 6

depends where you got it and if it's appropriate, I think.