Frostweed
© Winnie Burkett, Bolivar Peninsula
Verbesina virginica
Alternate Names: White crownbeard, Ice plant, Tickweed
Family: (Asteraceae) Sunflower
Habitat: Semishade in woodlands or at water edges.
Height: 3-7 ft.
Bloom Period: August - November
Description: Biennial. The flowers form in small clusters which combine into large flat clusters. Stems are hairy. Leaves are large and lance-shaped. At the first freeze the stems split; as the sap runs out it forms showy, flower-like ribbons of ice.
Propagation Tips: Easy to grow. Spreads via rhizomes to form large colonies.
The Wildlife Connection: Flowers are nectar magnets for butterflies, bees, and other insects. Larval host for silvery checkerspot and bordered patch butterflies.
© Winnie Burkett, High Island on Jan 11, 2010 when the Smith Oaks portion of Winnie Street was lined with crystal ribbons of frostweed.
