Asking here is fine, and I will answer as best I can.

I do believe that the trading of patented plants is not allowed.

I 'think' there may be special requirements for CA traders as to what is allowed to come into the state...but I may be wrong.

I'd suggest asking on the CA Exchange-discussions side. Maybe some experienced traders in CA can best help you.
Then either post to their trade page, or come back to the main Plant Exchange Page for trading.

Happy Trading!

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: CA Forum discussions

sue, surely you can trade patented plants. they are mine and i feel i should be able do with them as i please. i know i can't sell them but are you sure that trading is not allowed? i know about the propagation thing but good grief what are we supposed to do with plants that multiply.

I believe Sue is right. One time a patent holder posted on a seed offer of mine and complained I was infringing on her rights! I sent her a private email and reminded her that seeds were the by-product of sexual, not asexual propagation, but it also gave me a good excuse to write Spike and ask that he pull the thread, which had already been bumped back up from out of the blue, and he did.

I've also heard that reps from Austin Roses cruise the rose exchange page looking for people who want to exchange Austins under patent. I try not to get patented plants since I trade so much I'd never be able to remember what was and wasn't patented. I'll never understand how they can even allow some plants to get patented, such as sedum - all you have to do is break off a leaf into the dirt and it roots on it's own! But it does protect those who try to make a living at plant hybridizing.

As for Kate's original question, Helpmefind has detailed information on roses. All you have to do is look up a rose through their search and it will tell you if it is patented or not. It's my personal opinion that you would be much happier with old garden roses than the patented hybrid teas that need tons of chemicals to keep decent looking anyway. :)

Jeanne

Here is a link that might be useful: Helpmefind Roses