Spring Is Just Around The Corner

By Jeff Berti
Even though it’s officially spring, winter has reared its ugly head to remind us that it’s not quite through. It’s been so long ago, I can’t remember if March came in like a lamb or a lion, so I don’t know what the next few days have in store for us. Looking ahead to April, however, there are enough activities on Mother Nature’s calendar to keep most outdoor enthusiasts happy.
During the month of April, most of Missouri’s wild flowers will begin blooming, covering the forest floor with a blanket of color. Some of the more common flowers to bloom next month include the bird’s foot violet, the dogtooth violet, Virginia bluebells and wild sweet William. Although not as “showy” as the previously mentioned flowers, another well known flower to bloom next month will be the unique Dutchman’s breeches. This flower gets its name from the distinct blossom that resembles a small pair of pants.
Along with the wild flowers, many of the flowering trees of the woods will also begin blooming. Included in these are the redbud, the Ohio buckeye and the flowering dogwood.
While many people like to have wild flowers in their gardens or in their yards, keep in mind that it is illegal to dig any type of vegetation from along any public roadway. The best way to start a wild flower garden is to mark a patch of flowers that you want and wait until they go to seed later in the spring or summer. Collecting seeds is not only legal, it is also better for the flower population, because you are leaving the roots of the plant to grow again another year.
Another popular April activity is the search for the elusive morel mushroom a/k/a the “sponge” mushroom. This spring has been wet enough that we should have a pretty good crop. Depending on the temperatures, the early mushrooms will begin popping out during the middle and later part of April.
Known as a springtime delicacy, the morel has long been a favorite of many Missourians. Getting their nickname from their sponge-like appearance, morels can be found in many low-lying, damp, wooded areas. Some areas will produce more mushrooms than others, and finding these areas is half the fun. Many mushroom hunters have their favorite “patches,” but seldom share these locations with other hunters.
When looking for morels, be careful not to get fooled by the similar false morel mushroom. This mushroom is also known as an “elephant ear” mushroom, and cannot be considered edible. Although many people eat them and enjoy them, they have been known to cause death. Be careful what you eat.
The most popular spring hunting season will begin in the latter part of April when spring turkey season opens on April 18. This year’s turkey season looks like it should be a good one due to the excellent hatch last year. Many birds have been seen in full strut and have been heard gobbling already this spring. However, this shouldn’t hurt the hunting. Although it may seem early, turkeys begin strutting and gobbling about this time every year. They are just carving out their territories for the breeding season, which will be coming later.
If you are depressed by the dreary weather that we have been having, don’t worry. The temperatures will soon warm up and the sun will shine again, and when they do, you can be sure there will be lots to do outside, including mowing the yard. I’m in no rush to start that.