A DNA extraction method has been developed for milligram amounts of plant tissue. The method allows for the extraction of high molecular weight DNA without the need for expensive equipment or time-consuming procedures. The procedure uses CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and is based on methods described by Murray and Thompson and Taylor and Powell. The method is suitable for various plant tissues, including fresh, herbarium, and mummified tissues. The DNA yield ranged from 0.3 to 200 nanograms per milligram of tissue. The method was tested on 57 types from 29 species, and all tissues yielded measurable DNA. No inhibition was observed for restriction enzymes BamHI or EcoRI. The method requires only three disposable microcentrifuge tubes for all operations. Tissues as small as individual ovules and embryos can be used. The method was tested on various plant species, including herbarium specimens (22–118 years old) and mummified seeds and embryos (500 to greater than 44,600 years old). The method involves grinding the tissue in dry ice, adding CTAB extraction buffers, and performing multiple centrifugation steps to isolate DNA. The DNA is then precipitated with ethanol, washed, and dried. The method is efficient and suitable for a wide range of plant tissues, including those that are difficult to extract DNA from. The procedure is described in detail, including buffer/tissue proportions and vessel choices. The method is suitable for both fresh and dried plant tissues. The method is a reliable and efficient way to extract DNA from plant tissues, even those that are old or difficult to process.A DNA extraction method has been developed for milligram amounts of plant tissue. The method allows for the extraction of high molecular weight DNA without the need for expensive equipment or time-consuming procedures. The procedure uses CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and is based on methods described by Murray and Thompson and Taylor and Powell. The method is suitable for various plant tissues, including fresh, herbarium, and mummified tissues. The DNA yield ranged from 0.3 to 200 nanograms per milligram of tissue. The method was tested on 57 types from 29 species, and all tissues yielded measurable DNA. No inhibition was observed for restriction enzymes BamHI or EcoRI. The method requires only three disposable microcentrifuge tubes for all operations. Tissues as small as individual ovules and embryos can be used. The method was tested on various plant species, including herbarium specimens (22–118 years old) and mummified seeds and embryos (500 to greater than 44,600 years old). The method involves grinding the tissue in dry ice, adding CTAB extraction buffers, and performing multiple centrifugation steps to isolate DNA. The DNA is then precipitated with ethanol, washed, and dried. The method is efficient and suitable for a wide range of plant tissues, including those that are difficult to extract DNA from. The procedure is described in detail, including buffer/tissue proportions and vessel choices. The method is suitable for both fresh and dried plant tissues. The method is a reliable and efficient way to extract DNA from plant tissues, even those that are old or difficult to process.