By Blake Jackson
Frequent spring rains caused a slight delay in sunflower planting at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (CA) this year. Despite the setback, visitors will still be treated to the stunning sunflower displays the area is known for, offering excellent opportunities for photography and nature viewing throughout the summer.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) once again planted several sunflower plots at the site. While wetter-than-normal conditions delayed some of the plantings by about two weeks, the blooms are beginning to appear.
“The sunflowers at Columbia Bottom are beginning to bloom right now," said Clinton Owenby, MDC Regional Resource Management Supervisor. "The first fields planted were the dove hunting field, so that they can be finished blooming and dried ahead of dove hunting opening on September 1st.”
The sunflower fields are part of MDC’s long-standing efforts to support mourning dove populations. The large flowers produce seeds that attract the birds and offer natural cover for hunters during the fall hunting season.
Beyond doves, the flowers also provide food and habitat for a variety of pollinators and other bird species. Their bright yellow blooms have also made them a favorite subject for nature photographers and sightseers.
In addition to planting sunflowers for dove management, MDC crews have added extra fields specifically for public viewing and photography. These fields are located near roads and are easy to access.
“The smaller viewing fields were staggered every couple of weeks following the initial planting to provide later bloom viewing for the public,” Owenby explained. “Peak viewing should start ramping up this weekend.”
MDC strategically staggers plantings across the 4,300-acre area to ensure blooms appear continuously through mid-August. Since sunflowers take roughly 60 days to flower, each plot reaches its vibrant peak for about 10 days. Signs placed along the area’s roads will help guide visitors to blooming fields.
The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus), known for its impressive height and golden petals, is a member of the daisy family and a striking sight, especially when planted in large rows.
Categories: Missouri, General