Crossing from Canada over land, plant life question

[unstrung 0]

I've gathered a bouquet of dried out and dead plants over the years which i keep in a glass vase and i'm rather fond of it. I am planning on crossing over to the U.S. by car. Does the "no plant life" rule apply to long dead plants? i'm thinking they won't allow it, but out of curiosity i figured i'd see if anyone has knowledge of this.

Edited April 7, 2008 by unstrung

[Reba 2]

the issue with live plants is that they may be carrying bugs. Bugs won't live on dead plants, I can't see how it would be a problem. You could always call ahead to the POE you'll be crossing at and ask them.

[mox 298]

Bugs will certainly live on dead plants, but I think the issue isn't just bugs. It's also the avoidance of introducing foreign species into established ecosystems. Even if your plants are dead, they could still carry seeds, or even certain molds.

Give US Customs a call on this one to be sure.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

We crossed with a nice set of dried flowers, mementos of all the flowers Bren has ever given me; and there was no problem whatsoever.

[mox 298]

We crossed with a nice set of dried flowers, mementos of all the flowers Bren has ever given me; and there was no problem whatsoever.

Did they know you had them?

[mox 298]

Here's what US Customs and Border Protection have to say:

Plants and Seeds

Some plants, cuttings, seeds that are capable of propagation, unprocessed plant products, and certain endangered species are allowed into the United States but require import permits; some are prohibited entirely. Threatened or endangered species that are permitted must have export permits from the country of origin.

Every single plant or plant product including handicraft items made with straw, must be declared to the CBP officer and must be presented for CBP inspection, no matter how free of pests it appears to be. For information write to USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737; call (301) 734-8645; or visit the APHIS web site at (

APHIS Plant Import

) .

[Carlawarla 1]

This is always a funny (not haha) question as I didn't bring anything over when I moved, but I have had people send me, as well as having a box sent to me with my belongings after I arrived on a K-1. One box was rifled through by customs. I had two small dried flower arrangements and they weren't removed. I'd list it on your pages of stuff you're bringing in, but I wouldn't be worried about it coming in.