Section R. 285.627.3 - Minimum indices of vitalityRule 3.
(1) Woody stemmed deciduous nursery stock, such as fruit and shade trees, rose bushes, and flowering shrubs, shall have moist, green cambium tissue in the stem or stems and branches, and shall have viable buds or normal green, unwilted growth sufficient to permit the plant to live and grow in a form characteristic of the species or variety when planted and given reasonable care. In the case of a rose bush, each stem shall show moist, green, undamaged cambium in at least the first 8 inches above the graft. Any single stem on a rose bush not meeting this specification shall disqualify the entire plant. However, a rose bush may be pruned to comply with this specification if at least 1 stem meeting the specification remains and the grade designation, if sold by grade, is changed accordingly. A packaged rose bush having more than 3 inches of etiolated growth from a bud shall not be sold or offered for sale.(2) Hardy herbaceous biennials or perennials, when in a wilted, rotted, or similar condition indicative of subnormal vitality, shall not be sold or offered for sale.(3) Nursery stock in a weakened condition, as evidenced by die-back or desiccation of foliage, or balled stock with broken or loose earthballs, broken manufactured balls, or root systems of a size smaller than established by the American standard for nursery stock, shall not be sold or offered for sale. Packaged nursery stock, potted stock, and nursery stock with manufactured balls shall meet the root spread standards established for bare-root stock.(4) Nursery stock on display at sales outlets not meeting the foregoing minimum indices of vitality shall be restricted from sale and shall be removed from public view by the owner or person in charge.Mich. Admin. Code R. 285.627.3