It feels like winter this week which means it's time for frostweed (Verbesina virginica) to work its magic!
On chilly mornings, the Ruffner Mountain habitat garden is sprinkled with fragile ice ribbons.
During the first frost of the year, the stem of this native plant splits and releases sap and water pulled up from its roots, which cools then expands. The moisture freezes and forms beautiful ice structures, decorating the ground in a gallery of winter art.
Pro-tip: Another important reason to plant native frostweed in your yard is that from summer to late fall, their white blooms serve as a great nectar source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
