229.475.  Definitions — removal of plants from roadways or state and county highways without permission, prohibited, penalty. — 1.  As used in sections 229.475 to 229.481, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Commission", the state highways and transportation commission;

  (2)  "Plants", trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, grasses and ferns; and

  (3)  "Plant parts", roots, bulbs, tubers and rhizomes.

  2.  Except as otherwise provided in this section and section 229.477, no person shall dig or remove any plants or plant parts from any real property of the commission, or the right-of-way of any state or county highway or roadway without permission of the commission or governmental entity responsible for the administration of the property or right-of-way, unless such person is engaged in the work of constructing, repairing or maintaining the property, highway or roadway under the authority and direction of the commission or governmental entity.  Violation of this section and section 229.477 is a class B misdemeanor.  Each plant removed shall constitute a separate offense.