Is it illegal to pick wildflowers in West Virginia?

Beckley, WV (25801) It is illegal to pick wildflowers in West Virginia if they are within 100 yards of either side of a public road. Family members often donate a half-acre or one-acre plot in memory or in honor of a loved one. This Operation Wildflower plot is located along U.S. 19 in Fayette County.

What wildflowers grow in West Virginia?

When you visit West Virginia State Parks and Forests, keep an eye out for some of these spring wildflowers:

  • Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum)
  • Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virgiensis)
  • Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea)
  • Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
  • Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne)

What is Operation Wildflower?

A. In 1973 the Operation Wildflower initiative was announced. Some States continue the program of working with volunteer groups to plant wildflowers to this day. Through careful planning and selection of safe planting sites by State Highway Agencies, we expect to see more volunteer participation.

Where are the wildflowers in West Virginia?

Here are just a few great places to spot wildflowers:

  • WVU Core Arboretum.
  • New River Gorge Area.
  • Sunrise Carriage Trail.
  • Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
  • Fernow Experimental Forest.
  • Dolly Sods Wilderness.
  • Cacapon Resort State Park.
  • Audra State Park.

Is it OK to pick wild flowers?

Contrary to widespread belief, it is not illegal to pick most wildflowers for personal, non-commercial use. In a similar vein, it’s not illegal to forage most leaves and berries for food in the countryside for non-commercial use.

What is WV state flower?

Rhododendron
West Virginia/State flower

Rhododendron – West Virginia’s State Flower. With the recommendation of the Governor and a vote by public school pupils, the Legislature adopted House Joint Resolution 19 on January 29, 1903, naming the Rhododendron the official state flower.

Is it illegal to cut wild flowers?

Contrary to widespread belief, it is not illegal to pick most wildflowers for personal, non-commercial use.

What is the state flower of West Virginia?

Is it against the law to pick bluebells?

The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.

Is it illegal to dig up wild snowdrops?

They are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) rulings, aka the Washington Convention, and the trading of Snowdrop bulbs is tightly regulated. In most countries it is illegal to collect bulbs from the wild, the exceptions being Turkey and Georgia.

Where do wildflowers grow on West Virginia roads?

The program began in 1990 under the DNR with a test site on I-64 near Huntington, West Virginia. The success of the site led to the expansion of the program to include donations from garden clubs and the public. Today, more than 250 acres of wildflowers grow on state roads, including sites on every interstate highway.

How to donate wildflowers in West Virginia project wildflower?

Project Wildflower makes it possible for wildflower sites to be donated in the name of an individual, business, civic organization, etc. A sign near the wildflower bed will honor the name chosen. Donations must be received by February 15th for plantings to occur that year. More information…

What kind of plants are planted in operation wildflower?

Some plots are planted with only one species and mowed down when the bloom is gone. Single species sites include Poppies, Crimson clover, Daisies, Catchfly and Indian Blanket. It is obvious from media coverage and public comment that Operation Wildflower is beneficial to the state.

Who are the authors of flora of West Virginia?

Flora of West Virginia by P. D. Strasbaugh and Earl L. Core. W. Va. University Bookstore. 2. Spring WildÀowers by Earl L.Core. W. Va. University and W. Va. Dept. of Natural Resources. 3. WildÀowers of the Alleghenies by Joseph E. Harned.