This time of year one can see along roadsides, in and on both public and private lands, a beautiful wildflower, commonly called Yucca, Adam's Needles, or Spanish Bayonet. It is Yucca filamentosa L. and every single part of the plant is said to be useful.

Long, green sword-like leaves 12-32" in length, 1-3.5" wide, comprise most of the green portion, while the flower stalk arises centrally, erupting in a tall and beautiful display of large white blossoms having plenty roomy for a bumblebee. The plant may reach 4-5' in height.

A truly delicious wild green, similar in taste to spinach or lambsquarter, was pointed out by a neighbor who has eaten it in season for as long as he can remember. It is called Shawnee. It is cooked in the same manner as spinach or lambsquarter, and the main difference in taste is more of a texture, as it is "grainier" than the other two, yet still delicious steamed with a little butter or olive oil.

One of the most delicious foods this writer knows is Lambsquarter, Chenopodium album L. This tasty green is related to spinach, beets, and Swiss chard, and compared to spinach, this one is tastier in the opinion of many.

Ozark Chinquapin Tree Deserves Protection After 35 Years

This designated critical habitat includes areas on the Mark Twain National Forest in Reynolds County, Missouri.
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Rare Midwest Dragonfly Earns 26,500 Acres

For the past several years, here in Missouri's Ozarks, we are finally seeing turkeys again. Decades ago, when we first camped and hiked in this area, we saw dozens of wild turkeys, and were never surprised to see flocks wandering across fields, or crossing roads from one side of the forest to another.

This is a good time of year to check out the woods and meadows for mushrooms. It just so happens within 3 days of each other, I found two edible and beautiful specimens.

Timber industry runs into buzz saw

BY KIM McGUIRE

07/18/2009

Weeks after a south-central Missouri storm destroyed about one-third of the state's annual timber harvest, loggers are struggling not only to clear out thousands of downed trees, but to fetch a price for timber that makes the task worthwhile.

While walking a newly blazed trail in our woods last month I heard an unusual bird call--one I do not recall ever having heard. So I scrutinized the area carefully for several minutes only to discover a male Scarlet Tanager singing away, appearing to be accompanied in song by several others, including the female, but no other adult males. It was reminiscent of a "bird band", as they seemed to be singing together and to each other.

Who says one must garden to harvest free food? Many wild edibles abound, here in Missouri, as well as elsewhere. Now is the time both wild and domestic strawberries ripen, although some domesticated varieties are touted as "ever-blooming", but often they do not live up to the name. It matters not, because when strawberries ripen, which is usually May and June around here, it is best to harvest before wildlife beats you to them.