Chopping down a saguaro cactus is indeed a felony in Arizona due to state protections for native species, but no equivalent felony exists for cacti in your Washington yard.
Washington’s Cactus Rules
Washington recognizes native cacti like the Columbia Plateau cactus (Pediocactus nigrispinus) as official state symbols, but lacks broad protections against removal on private property. Yard cacti—typically non-native ornamentals—are governed by local zoning or HOA rules on landscaping, not state criminal law. Noxious weed lists ban invasive plants (e.g., certain ivies), but common cacti aren’t regulated unless rare natives are involved.
Arizona Comparison
Arizona’s A.R.S. § 3-904 makes harvesting or damaging protected cacti (over certain sizes) a Class 6 felony, with fines up to $150,000 for saguaros, aimed at preventing illegal trade. Washington’s focus is conservation of natives via collection bans in wild areas, not backyard pruning. Check local ordinances for yard alterations; tree-removal permits may apply analogously.
