Frost weed..this is so neat.

[amid chaos]

The flower
<img src="http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/images/frostweed.jpg">
The leaves and steam
<img src="http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/images/frostweed2.jpg">
Frozen sap from stem
<img src="http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/images/frostweed3.jpg">
Comments: Native Perennial Cherokee Co. At the first hard freeze, even though the plant has gone to seed and looks dead, the roots are still active. The sap freezes, splits open the stem and forms these "frost-flowers."

 

[olena]

That IS neat!

 

[Mamu]

Very interesting and quite unique.

Is this plant growing in your yard? I am fascinated by it.

Tell us more about it, How tall? How big are the flowers?

I like unique plants have never seen or heard about this plant.

 

[amid chaos]

Sorry mamu...this is one I found online. here's more info.
White Crownbeard (Verbesina virginica)
White Crownbeard is also known as Tickweed.

Plant Type: This is a herbacious plant which can reach 250cm tall (100inches). The main stem is prominently winged.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate. Leaves can reach 25cm in length (10inches). Most leaves have irregularly spaced teeth or lobes.
Flowers: The flowers are irregular in shape and are up to 1cm long (0.4 inches) and are up to 0.5cm wide (0.2 inches). They are white. Blooms first appear in late summer and continue into mid fall. There can be one to five rays per flower more or less randomly placed over the flower head.
Habitat: Fields and open woods
Range: Southeastern US
<img src="http://2bnthewild.com/DCP02615.jpg">

 

[Snowwark]

I like the last picture especially Amid, it looks so delicate, like thin satin ribbons. It's hard to believe it's frozen. Very interesting, thank you!!

 

[Tulirose]

That IS neat! Mother Nature is just amazing! Thanks for bringing this to our attention.