Photos of frost flowers from Verbesina virginica, Virginia Ironweed, White Crown-beard, Frostweed

Verbesinia virginica produces a phenomena known as crystallofolia or frost flowers, usually occuring only during the first few frosts of the year. Xylem sap becomes supercooled, pressure exceedes epidermis tensile strength and the stem surface tears, pressing out moisture that immediately crystalizes on contact with the freezing air, producing marvelous natural ice art.

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