Frost Flowers -- Nature's Winter Artistry
Written by Jenna Atma, Naturalist
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| Frost "flower" |
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| Frostweed with its signature winter frosted base. |
Frost flowers, formed in a process called crystallofolia, are a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs when conditions are just right. The moisture in the plant's stem freezes, producing beautiful feathery-looking ribbons that appear to spill out from the stem, often close to the ground (where their roots continue to supply more water to the stem). White Wingstem in particular holds an ample supply of moisture in its stem, making it particularly adept at creating these ephemeral ice flowers.
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| A cluster of frost flowers |
Why do these plants create frost flowers? Although these formations are of course beautiful to observe, there are several potential practical reasons for them to occur as well, like helping to insulate the plant and protect it from harsher winter conditions. These frost flowers can also provide a source of water for some insects during cold winter months; a connection between plants and animals within the ecosystem.
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| An up-close view of the ice escaping the stem |
If you look closely at the plant base where the frost flowers are formed, you may notice that the main stem itself doesn't split. The outer layer, or "epidermis", will rupture to release built-up pressure from the sap rapidly freezing. Plants that live in climates that freeze seasonally have a few options for survival: with annual herbaceous plants, the main plant dies while leaving a protected seed bank behind. Longer-lived species, like frostweed, will either remain active or become dormant during the winter. Some plants that remain above ground require mechanisms that allow them to persist in the cold, with one strategy being crystallofolia.
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| Frost flowers gleaming in the sunlight (Photo by Rachel Anderson) |
Like snowflakes, each frost flower is different, with intricate patterns and shapes that are unique between every plant. The fleeting nature of frost flowers has led many people to think of them as reminders of the impermanence of life, and encouraging appreciation for natural beauty around us, no matter how transient it may be.
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| Every frost flower is unique |
The best time to observe these magical occurrences is during the first few frosts of the season, typically in late fall to early winter. The best places in Warner Parks to observe frost flowers are the Nature Center meadows and the field in Long Hollow along the Old Roadway loop in Edwin Warner Park.
For all those who appreciate the subtle beauty of the natural world, the White Wingstem and its frost flowers remind us to pause and admire the intricate details to be found in nature, and the new discoveries that the winter season may bring. So, next time the frost settles in, keep an eye out for these stunning frozen flowers that remind us of the beauty and resiliency of the natural world.
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| Photo by Rachel Anderson |
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