Missouri State Tree

The next time you consider planting a (sometimes invasive) Callery ‘Bradford’ pear that just ends up breaking apart in high winds or ice or gets topped when it reaches utility lines,  consider planting something native.  Native plants offer natural endurance, seasonal interest, and, best of all, actual contributions to area biodiversity.  Small native trees (e.g.,

Week of the Wood Sorrel

Just a week ago, I visited Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and Reserve near Kirkwood, MO and noticed many familiar spring ephemerals.  Many of them were up early.  Well, this week, due either to timing or the 90 degree weather, the palette of spring flowers changed drastically.  The lingering bluebells were being overtaken by leafing-out bush