There is a lot of development going on in the western states. Large tracts of land that were previously owned by the federal goverment have been auctioned off to private ownership. These were and still are range land for livestock such as cattle. Other than that the lands are still in their original wild state with many native species of plants. If a native cactus is on private property, the owner may destroy it to develop the land. If the owner wants to sell or donate the native plants, he/she must obtain yellow permit tags from the Department of Forestry. These tags are very inexpensive, but must be with the plant until it reaches it's final planting destination. California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona participate in this tagging program. Texas does not. However, if you are pulled over by police who question you about the plants, you must prove that you purchased the plants and did not dig them yourself without permission. So keep your receipts with you when you are traveling through the western states.

We acquire native cactus and yucca plants from many different legal sources throughout the Southwest. If the native plant is from a state that requires yellow tags, they will be included with the plant when you purchase from us. If the native plant is from Texas, it will not have a tag, so keep your receipts.