The question isn't addressed to anyone in particular- just anyone who knows if Milkweed pods can be distinguished from each other. If your pod came from Asclepias tuberosa, for example, that's a species that's native to many parts of the U.S. and Canada, so it might be appropriate for your garden... http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASTU Virginia

Polyscias fruticosa "variegata" http://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/Polyscias-fruticosa-Variegata_p_2815.html Variegated Ming Aralia

It would be the base of the flower in your photo, involucre on Missouriplants.com that I wanted to see . http://www.missouriplants.com/Pinkalt/Liatris_cylindracea_involucre.jpg https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/liatris-spicata-fl-sbaskauf.jpg The yellow flower having reflexed petals may not be typical. First thing we look at is leaf arrangement - opposite or alternate. That is very important. With the DYCs, darn yellow composites, it is recommended to show the back of the flower, leaf arrangement as well. There are so many species of asteraceae with yellow flowers that it can be overwhelming to identify them. I think your cutting shows opposite leaves.

Taking photos of a plant into the nursery to get an ID and posting here are virtually the same activity except here, one doesn't have to leave the comfort of their own home to get a fast and almost always correct ID :-) No apps need - or should - be involved in either case. And I've been to Roger's many times. I guess it depends how one defines an "incredible" nursery. I'd consider Roger's to be more of a retail garden center than a plantsman's nursery. Big focus on garden doo-dads and accoutrements and a very limited selection of landscape plants. Mostly annuals, edibles and houseplants....what the wealthy hobby gardeners look for. And with a Newport Beach/Corona del Mar price tag to match! If you really want an excellent nursery, drive a few miles south to the Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano. This is a full service nursery with a huge range of plants. Nothing fancy.......just a whole lotta plants of ALL types! That is where I shopped when I did landscape design in OC.