Picking herbs on the roadside
Question
Am I allowed to take cuttings from overgrown wild sage or rosemary at the side of the road in public areas? A few people I know have said that you’re allowed because they grow back and it’s actually good for the trees to take cuttings… but is there an issue of stealing? What about terumot and ma'aserot?
Answer
Rabbi Moshe Bloom
Wild sage and rosemary are considered hefker, so they may be picked at the roadside in public areas. Since they have ownerless status, they are not subject to terumot and ma'aserot obligations.