List of Missouri native plants facts for kids

Missouri is a state in the United States that has many different kinds of plants. This is because it sits where three major plant regions meet. To the east, you'll find forests like those in the Appalachian Province. To the west and northwest, there are wide-open grasslands, similar to the North American Prairies Province. And in the southeastern part of the state, known as the "bootheel," the land is flatter and wetter, like the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province. This mix of environments means Missouri is home to a huge variety of plant life, from tall trees to colorful wildflowers and many types of grasses.

Wildflowers, Grasses, and Other Small Plants

Missouri is famous for its beautiful wildflowers and many types of grasses. These are nonwoody plants, meaning they don't have hard, woody stems like trees or shrubs. They often grow in fields, prairies, and along roadsides, adding lots of color to the landscape.

Some of the interesting wildflowers you might spot include:

• Adam and Eve Orchid (Aplectrum hyemale): A unique orchid named for its two round underground tubers.
• American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea): A large, beautiful water plant with big yellow flowers and round leaves that float on the water.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A very common and cheerful flower with bright yellow petals and a dark brown center.
• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): An early spring wildflower with white petals. Its roots produce a red sap, which is where it gets its name.
• Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica): A tall plant with striking blue flowers that attract hummingbirds.
• Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis): A pretty plant with tall spikes of blue flowers.
• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Also known as Wild Sweet William, this plant has clusters of fragrant blue or purple flowers.

Grasses are also very important in Missouri, especially in the prairie areas. They provide food and shelter for many animals. One important grass is Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), which can grow very tall and is a key part of healthy prairies.

Trees and Shrubs of Missouri

Missouri's forests and woodlands are home to many different types of trees and shrubs. These woody plants form the backbone of many ecosystems, providing shade, homes for animals, and helping to keep the air clean.

Common Trees You Might See

You'll find many familiar trees in Missouri, such as:

• Oaks: There are many kinds of oaks, like the White Oak (Quercus alba), Red Oak (Northern red oak), and Pin Oak (Pin oak). Oaks are known for their strong wood and acorns, which are a favorite food for squirrels and deer.
• Hickories: Trees like the Shagbark Hickory (Shagbark hickory) are easy to spot because their bark peels off in long strips. They produce nuts that are tasty for both people and wildlife.
• Maples: Sugar Maple (Sugar maple), Red Maple (Red maple), and Silver Maple (Silver maple) are common. Many maples are known for their beautiful fall leaf colors.
• American Sycamore (American sycamore): This tree is easy to recognize by its patchy, peeling bark, which is often white or light green.
• Eastern Redbud (Eastern redbud): A smaller tree that bursts with bright pink-purple flowers in early spring, even before its leaves appear.
• Flowering Dogwood (Flowering dogwood): Another beautiful spring tree with white or pink flowers that are actually modified leaves.

Interesting Shrubs and Smaller Trees

Missouri also has many shrubs and smaller trees that add to its plant diversity:

• Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): This small tree produces a unique, sweet fruit that tastes a bit like a banana and mango mix.
• American Hazel (Corylus americana): A shrub that produces small, edible nuts.
• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus): Often found near water, this shrub has unique, spherical white flowers that look like pin cushions.
• Honeysuckle (Honeysuckle): While some types are invasive, native honeysuckles can be found and are known for their fragrant flowers.
• American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): This tree produces sweet, orange fruits that are delicious when fully ripe.

See also

• List of mammals of Missouri
• List of birds of Missouri
• Fauna of the United States
• North American Prairies Province
• Appalachian Province
• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province

Images for kids

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  Bulbous adder’s tongue

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  American Feverfew

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  American Ginseng

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  American Lotus

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  Ashy Sunflower

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  Bastard Toadflax

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  Beaked Hawkweed

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  Bird’s-Foot Trefoil

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  Bird’s-Foot Violet

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  Black Medick

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  Black Mustard

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  Black-Eyed Susan

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  Bloodroot

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  Blue Cardinal Flower or Great Blue Lobelia

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  Blue False Indigo

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  Blue Vervain