Some cemeteries have rules against anyone but the staff removing any plant or any plant part, and my interpretation of that is that they don't want people taking cuttings. Other cemeteries might not have those sorts of rules, but you wouldn't know unless you researched it for a specific cemetery.

I think you have to let your conscience be your guide. I wouldn't take cuttings from a plant on anyone's property, not even on public property supported by my tax dollars, unless I was able to obtain permission to do so in advance. It's an ethical thing because any time someone takes something that does not belong to them, that is theft, no matter what one's intentions are.

I've heard this sort of gathering of cuttings or seeds or bulb/tuber/root divisions referred to as green collar theft, and that seems like a fairly accurate and sort of humorous name for it. And, yes, I realize that rose rustlers have saved probably hundreds of varieties of roses by rustling cuttings, often from cemeteries, but I still feel uneasy about someone taking something that isn't theirs without receiving permission to do so. Once a person crosses a certain line and takes something that isn't theirs, where do they draw the line? It is a slippery slope.

agree with Okiedawn..if 40 people each take a cutting what's left of the plant?..you sound conscientious but what if others see you and decide to help themselves and are not?..might be better to ask a LIVING person for a cutting..

Ok so there are rules for this sort of thing!!! I will try to make contact with the cemetery personnel before arriving and if no one can be reached then that's that!!

chrholme..I wasn't clear enough I guess..what I meant was skip the cemetery and get cuttings elsewhere..I'm not sure you could enjoy the new plants knowing they came from a cemetery..is there such a thing as an heirloom plant rescue group?..maybe call them for suggestions to get special cuttings?

Yes I do think you are right... I don't know that I would ever feel "right" about a cemetery plant.... I suppose this wasn't a good idea at all.... i am forever trying to come up with ideas for my hubby and I to do together! He hates plants/gardening and I'm not fond of sports

And chances are if you ask, you'll get permission. One nice thing is that these plants (in most rural cemeteries) have never received any care or watering, and thus must be very hardy. I think I'd rather people take cuttings than allow such hardy plants to die out...however, I would only do so, if the planting was in a plentiful state (ie you can see the iris or daylilies (for example) have grown to the point, the mowers are cutting them). That's my two cents.

I love cemeteries. Did you know that Henry Duelberg and Augusta salvias were discovered in cemeteries? I grow the Henry.