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No one is talking about chopping down trees or digging up plants. A cutting is about the same amount of foliage that would naturally fall off the plant during a vigorous storm.
Although the OP was talking about taking cuttings from city property other people said it was OK to do that with wild flowers " out in the woods".
Perhaps I am over reacting because of the numerous problems we have had on our property, but IMHO, it is a "slippery slope" for people who feel that it is OK to steal cuttings from public property to start cutting down Christmas trees and digging flowers on private property in the country. Our land is very close to a city and it happens far too often.
Over the years we have actually "caught people in the act" of cutting down trees, stealing fire wood and digging out wild flowers and they pretended to not realize that it is private property even through it is clearly posted "No trespassing" and you have to climb over a fence to get inside.
Also be aware that a lot of plants are patented which means no propagation of any kind is allowed. Somebody spent years and a lot of money to produce this plant and they are protecting their investment. I don't blame them.
I can see that argument for reselling. BUT, if I want a cutting of a plant for myself, I'll do it.
I've never had a business refuse my request, btw. Look at me crazy, yes. Confirm I am not taking the whole plant, yes. AND I did once ask an officer who was standing next to a specimen on the street, and HE said Ok too.
Homeowners have been very friendly too, although they prefer to make the cut for me. And sometimes wrap it lovingly. And tell me exactly how to care for my cutting. And give me detailed information on the plants origins...
I wonder if the people who think it is OK to snip off a branch without asking are the same people who think it is OK to take a few apples, or cut a few pretty flowers for a bouquet.
I've come home to find that all of my lilies had gone for a walk and my grapevines striped. But hey, it doesn't actually hurt the plant.
I've found people inside my fenced backyard, picking blackberries and they insisted they could be there because they were wild berries. Uh, no they aren't. I planted them, I cared for them, and I put up the fence to let you know you are trespassing.
When I was very young, there were so many wildflowers that the hills looked solid bright orange, or solid deep blue. Now, the same hills are just plain dirt in the spring. When all the flowers get picked, there is no seed production for next year's plants.
I have never ever been turned down when I asked if I could have a cutting. There is no reason to not take a few seconds to ask.
I have never turned down anyone who asked for a cutting, but I prefer to use my own clean shears and to supervise just what is cut off.
I'm an avid gardener and I grow much of my ornamentals by propagation. If I see a plant that I like, I'll go to the owner (even to their front door) and ask permission to take a clipping.
What I've found is that people are so appreciative of my NOT stealing their plants (even bits of them) that they've given me not only clippings, but entire plants (not limited to the one I was admiring!)
Gardenweb has a trading section btw. If you want plants, look up who wants to trade. You'll find that you don't need 2930984 amaryllis bulbs and you're more than willing to trade for whatever it is that peaks your interest!
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Location: Coastal Georgia
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My feeling is, if you can get it at a garden center, go buy your own. If it is common, it will probably be inexpensive. If it is a rare or unusual plant, then it was probably expensive or hard to come by for the person who bought it. Why should you get it for free?
Aside from this, most gardeners are happy to share something they have too much of, meaning they give something and you give something. That way, its fair.
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