A wildflower is the flower of a wild or uncultivated plant or the plant bearing it. lIn the United States, there are tens of thousands of species of wildflowers. Various state and federal laws protect collecting wildflowers. On national forests, parks or monuments, it is illegal to pick or collect plants without a permit. National forests issue permits for scientfic and educational purposes. Permits must be carried while collecting; law enforcement personnel may ask to see the permit.
Most wildflowers are appreciated for their beauty, but some, like the dandelion, are considered weeds. Some are used to make perfume, while others are used in the making of medicine. Some wildflowers are poisonous.
Statutes often empower various officials to issue citations for illegal collection of wildflowers or plants, including the county or state fire warden, personnel of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, personnel of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service as designated by the Regional Forester, or any peace officer of the state.
