Ask a Naturalist: Ice Plant

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What is this icy looking plant?

I spotted it in the Blanco side of the park when the temperatures were below freezing…

You were lucky to see Frostweed (Verbesina Virginica) in its “frosty” state. When temperatures drop below freezing, the dead stems of Frostweed exude liquid that freezes into icy formations. This native plant is a member of the Aster family and grows in rich loamy soils near creeks or under shade trees. Frostweed has straight, unbranched stems that grow about three to six feet tall. It is a perennial that blooms August through November.