Get Outside in July

America Turns 250

This year marks a very special Fourth of July. America will celebrate its 250th birthday, or Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence signing. Amidst the parades, barbecues, and fireworks, MDC encourages you to get out and discover the patriotism shown in the red, white, and blue of nature. These are just a few examples. What will you discover?

Fruits of Our Labor

Sumac produces red fruits that continue to mature through July. Did you know you can make a thirst-quenching, lemonadelike tea from sumac? That hits the spot on a hot July day.

Mulberry fruits are also maturing, and Missouri is home to two varieties — one native, and one introduced. The red mulberry, which is native, starts out red and turns more purplish as it ripens. The white mulberry, which was introduced, was named for its white flowers and berries, which eventually turn purple. Both varieties can be used in jellies, pies, and drinks, and birds love to eat them, too.

American Beauties

Prairies are a great place to visit in July to see a bounty of blooms spread across the landscape. In fact, there are so many flowers it can resemble a natural fireworks display! 

Prairie blazing star grows in spikelike stalks with densely packed rose-purple flowerheads. Blue vervain also grows in stalks with small flowers encircling the top. The flowers can be deep purple, violet, light lavender, or sometimes white. Both resemble colorful rockets. 

American bluehearts also bloom in native prairies. With such a patriotic name, it could hardly be left off the list, but the name is rather misleading. Its five-petaled blooms are more purple than blue. 

White wild indigo also blooms in prairies, as well as along roadsides, streams, and other open areas. The white flowers grow on opposite sides of a long stalk.

A Feather in Your Cap

Some of our feathered friends like to show their patriotic colors this time of year. 

Male summer tanagers, which are bright red, can be found in pine-oak forests, deciduous woodlands, and parks. You may hear their call, which is a dry, sharp pit titi tuck or chi ti bit.

White great egrets are large herons that frequent marshes, ponds, ditches, and lakes.

Male indigo buntings are bright blue. They perch in brushy fields, forest openings, woodland edges, yards, parks, and hedgerows, often singing sweet-sweet, tew-tew, chew-chew.