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

Verbesina virginica. Frost flowers from Virginia Frostweed, White Crown-beard, Frostweed, a phenomena known as crystallofolia or frost flowers, usually occurs only during the first few frosts of the year. Worldwide only 30 plant species are known to produce this phenomena. 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. Bob Harms at the University of Texas Austin, has developed web pages with the most complete information on the subject. See details on the subject at the Flora of Texas website: crystallofolia. See images of flowering Verbesina virginica.

Email: sfoster@stevenfoster.com, or call +1-479-253-2629 for licensing terms and fees. All images © Copyright Steven Foster. Thank you!