I feel you'd do well to take a look at a book by Lee Reich called "Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden". In contrast to so many other books that only deal with finicky edibles that need constant care or those that are only somewhat tasty the plants listed in this book are probably just what you're looking for: hardy, tasty, and do well under a variety of conditions. I found a copy at my local library.

Hi Treegal! Gardenweb also has a forum for gardening in the Ozarks that you may find helpful. There are several people there familiar with your rocky soil and hot, dry summers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ozarks Region Gardening

A good shade(part to full) shrub/small tree that always reminds me of the Ozarks, is Lindera benzoin, or Spicebush. It can grow in ozark soil just fine too.
It has leaves that can be made into tea, I believe, and the berries are edible. The birds appreciate the berries as well and the butterflies appreciate the early spring flowers. It is also the hosplant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.
This Arky is posting from North Little Rock. :)