Texas Madrone Question

Genesis

I was wondering if it is legal to have Texas madrone seeds and grow your own madrone tree from them(because they are on the endangered species list), and also wondered if anyone has made a bonsai out of them? Thanks

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Victrinia_Ensor

I don't know of any rules around propegating an endangered species. I would think any devoted arborist would say knock yourself out!

I also have a species of Madrone that is native to WA that I would love to play with. But I've been told the problem with madrone is that the leaves resist the process of reduction. Thereby making it an ill suited species for bonsai. You don't want to do all that work for a tree that will not go along with the program. But given their stunning characteristics as full grown trees I can understand the urge. One of my prize trees in my yard is a large madrone that I have been protecting since it was a sapling. And if you'd seen all that changes over the last 13 years to my place you'd know that was quite an effort!

Regards,

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vtbonsaichief

Genesis, it depends on how and where you obtained the seeds. If there are trees on your property, or from trees on land being cleared, or from private land, it should be legal to collect the seed and grow them. Technically it is not illegal to grow an endangered plant, especially not from legally and responsibly collected seeds. It IS illegal to collect the actual plant itself, but there are situations where you can obtain them.

Alot of times it doesn't seem that the endangerment issue matters so much as the land ownership and liability stuff. Paradoxical, but that seems to be how things go down.

I would contact a nearby cooperative extension, or a certified arborist, and they would be able to fill you in on the details. The law may vary in Texas, so check on it yourself.

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