Missouri Department of Conservation

Wildcat Glade

Creek running through Wildcat Glade

This and another chert glade in Wildcat Park are the largest and best examples of this rare natural community type of the Springfield Plateau Section of the Ozark Natural Division. This colorful glade has formed on beds of chert of the Grand Falls formation. Outcrops of solid chert are restricted in Missouri to a small region in this part of the state. The glade vegetation forms a mosaic ranging from lichen-covered rocks to patches of gnarled, stunted oaks. The glade plants are especially colorful in the spring and include prickly pear, glade wild onion, rock pink and the unusual Barbara's buttons. Lichen grasshoppers blend with the lichen covered rocks, becoming visible only when they jump.

Map: 

Wildcat Glade Natural Area Map