Chopping down a protected saguaro cactus without a permit is a felony in Arizona, but Missouri yards face no such restriction for common cacti. Arizona’s Native Plant Law (A.R.S. § 3-931 et seq.) safeguards native species like saguaros due to their slow growth, with penalties escalating by plant value—Class 4 felony for those over $1,500, potentially years in prison and heavy fines. Missouri lacks comparable protections for non-native or ornamental cacti.
Arizona Penalties
Protected cacti require Department of Agriculture permits even on private land; violations range from misdemeanors under $500 value to felonies, debunking exaggerated 25-year myths from urban legends. Landowners must tag plants before removal to avoid charges.
Missouri Rules
No state felony exists for cutting cacti in Missouri yards, as they aren’t native heritage plants like Arizona’s saguaros. Local ordinances or HOAs might regulate yard vegetation for aesthetics or safety, but simple removal carries no criminal weight—treat as standard landscaping.​
Key Differences
Arizona prioritizes ecological preservation; Missouri focuses on general nuisance/property codes. Verify species and get permits in AZ; survey your Missouri deed for boundary issues if near neighbors.
