North Carolina lacks specific laws treating cactus removal as a jailable offense, unlike Arizona’s strict protections for native cacti.
Protected Plants Overview
North Carolina regulates certain native and endangered plants under Article 19B of Chapter 106, requiring permits for collection or removal from others’ land, but common cacti (non-native or non-listed) face no such statewide bans. Landowners can generally remove vegetation from their own property without penalty, barring local ordinances or protected species like Venus flytrap. No felony applies to chopping cacti in yards, as they aren’t typically on protected lists.​
Key Regulations
- Protected plants need owner permission (valid 180 days) for removal; violations are misdemeanors, not jail felonies.​
- Noxious weed rules target invasives, not cacti specifically.​
- Exotic or federal endangered species may trigger federal oversight.​
Comparison to Arizona
| Aspect | North Carolina | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Cactus Protection | Only listed natives | Many natives (permits req.) ​ |
| Private Property | Owner’s right | Tags/seals needed ​ |
| Penalties | Misdemeanor max | Felony possible |
SOURCES
[1](http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_106/Article_19B.html)
[2](https://www.nationalplantboard.org/uploads/1/3/6/7/136771235/north_carolina_rules_and_regulations.pdf)
[3](https://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/weeds/NorthCarolina.pdf)
[4](https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/laws-and-regulations)
[5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_psychoactive_cacti_by_country)
