Summer in full bloom
Ozarks roadsides show off perennial beauty
By Carol Stark
cstark@joplinglobe.com

Call it a "crossroads for wildflowers."
Here in the Ozarks, where the forests meet the prairies and streams are abundant, wildflower varieties are plentiful, according to Francis Skalicky, a spokesman for the Department of Conservation.

So, if you're in the mood for a drive along a winding road or a walk through one of the area's prairies, it's likely you'll see dozens of species native to this area.

Tony Robyn, executive director of the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, said the ditches are rich in color this time of year.

Wildflower guides are available through the Missouri Department of Conservation, Skalicky said. While it's against state law to dig up plants, permits may be obtained through the Missouri Department of Transportation for collecting seeds or picking berries. Jeff Briggs, a spokesman for MoDOT, said wildflowers often are planted by volunteers to beautify the roadsides. Skalicky said that as the seasons change, cardinal flower will begin to bloom, and in the fall, the colors of the sumac will paint the Ozarks. He said forests hold a wealth of wildflowers, but those usually are at their peak in the early spring, before the trees begin to produce leaves. Carol Stark is the editor of The Joplin Globe. Jeff Briggs, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Transportation, said residents may call (888) 275-6636 and request a permit for picking berries or collecting wildflower seeds.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find: Purple coneflower Ditch lilies (bright orange day lilies) Black-eyed Susans Plains coreopsis Queen Anne's lace Bee balm White penstemon Butterfly weed Yellow coneflower

More about wildflowers...
Botanical Society of America
Missouri Department of Conservation