What's happening in the field?

At the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station

Think spring!!

by

Even though we are not getting out and about due to the Covid19 Shutdown, we can still enjoy the spring blossoms! Here are some showy ones today on the Mountain Grove Campus.

Here is the pretty blossom of Starry Magnolia.
Here is the lovely blossom of Starry Magnolia.

 

Starry Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, is a small, deciduous tree.
Starry Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, is a small, deciduous tree.

 

Saucer Magnolia is a larger three than Starry Magnolia.
Saucer Magnolia is a larger tree than Starry Magnolia. It is also deciduous.

 

Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia soulangiana, blossoms are a pretty white and pink.
Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia soulangiana, blossoms are a pretty white and pink.

 

Forsythia is definitely a harbinger of spring!!
Forsythia is definitely a harbinger of spring!!

 

Students of phenology, how plants develop related to other occurrences, will tell you that when the forsythias bloom, it is time to treat your lawn for crabgrass control.
Students of phenology, how plants develop related to other occurrences, will tell you that when the forsythias bloom, it is time to treat your lawn for crabgrass control.

 

Although Bradford pears are pretty, they are also weak wooded and invasive, so not a good choice for the landscape.
Although Bradford pears are pretty, they are also weak wooded and invasive, so not the best choice for the landscape.

 

The pretty blossoms of Pyrus callaryana 'Bradford' are not exactly sweet smelling either!!
The pretty blossoms of Pyrus callaryana ‘Bradford’ are not exactly sweet smelling either!!