Back Cover

What is it?

Our photographers have been busy exploring the intricacies of the Missouri outdoors. See if you can guess this month’s natural wonder. The answer is revealed below.

Big Bluestem

On the back cover is big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) by Noppadol Paothong. A tallgrass prairie icon, it is common throughout Missouri in glades, prairies and savannas. Also found on roadsides, it is used as a warm-season forage for cattle and provides good wildlife cover. Big bluestem blooms June to September, and grows to a height of 5 to 9 feet. Flower heads are said to resemble upside down turkey claws. To learn more about native plants in Missouri, visit the links listed below.