Located about 15 miles east of Lee’s Summit, Powell Gardens is a botanical garden open to the public and displaying a wide diversity of flora. However, the land owned by the Garden also contains noteworthy remnants of native prairie. Two rare plants – biscuit root and eared false foxglove—are found here. A well-maintained hiking trail takes visitors through the prairie areas that are undergoing restoration. The removal and control of woody invasives and the elimination of exotic species – particularly sericea lespedeza – are ongoing management challenges. Powell Gardens, a KC WildLands partner, also grows native forbs in their greenhouses, which are planted by workday volunteers at restoration sites. The plants are grown from seed hand-collected by WildLands volunteers.

Powell Gardens remnant natural community was the site of KCWL second annual BioBlitz all-species inventory in June 2003.

Regulations:

Hours: April-October: 9 AM – 6 PM, November-March: 9 AM – 5 PM
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Pets: Not permitted except guide dogs

Directions:

Take I-470 to the Highway 50 exit in Lees Suimmit, Missouri. Continue east on Highway 50 for approximately 20 miles. Powell Gardens is located in Johnson County, Missouri, on the north side of the highway.