Field Guide

Media
Image
Bottomland forest
Title
FIELD GUIDE A-Z
Subtitle
Learn about the habitat, diet, and life cycle of Missouri's animals, plants, and mushrooms.
Title
What to look for this month
Media
Photo of blue phlox (wild sweet William) plant with flowers
Body

Also called blue phlox, it’s one of many beautiful April wildflowers. It occurs nearly statewide in woodlands, thickets, streamsides, and bottomlands, in partial or full shade.

Media
Henry's elfin butterfly resting on a person's skin, viewed from side
Body

Henry’s elfin is a springtime specialist. Adults fly only in April and May, as redbuds and wild plums bloom. They flitter in open woodlands and nearby brushy areas.

Media
Butterweed blooming at Mokane Access, April 26, 2020
Title
Body

One of Missouri’s seven ragworts, this species is annual and can form colonies on streambanks and other moist, sunny disturbed areas. At a distance, it looks like yellow rocket.

Media
Female hooded grouse locust perched on a rock
Body

These and other pygmy grasshoppers overwinter as adults, so they appear in early spring. Look for them near water, on muddy shores, sandbars, and gravel bars.

Title
Field Guide Search