Six types of glades are found in the state, with limestone, dolomite, chert, sandstone, shale and igneous rocks as their bases. The limestone and dolomite glades of the Ozarks are the most common. Their surfaces are very hard, so the rocks weather, break down and build soil very slowly. Glades change drastically with the seasons. The plants are grasses and wildflowers, with some shrubs and trees.
Spring is a time of much activity and color.
The yellows, reds, blues and whites of wildflowers sweep the landscape. Like desert areas, summer on the glade brings extreme heat and drought. The plants growing here have special adaptations that help them survive the dry times, while some of the animals are similar to animals of the desert. With winter comes freezing temperatures and strong winds. Glade plants survive the dry conditions in summer and autumn much the same way desert plants do.