If you like exploring on cold autumn mornings, you may have encountered frost flowers. These short-lived ice formations, also known as “ice flowers”, “ice fringes”, “rabbit ice” and “ice filaments”, are a special oddity of nature.
In spite of the name, these formations are not actually flowers.
When the air is very dry and there is a big difference between the temperature of ice and the air, the conditions are perfect for frost flower formation.
Keep reading to learn more about frost flowers, how they form, and where to find them.
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What is a frost flower?
The term frost flower is a name given to a condition in which thin layers of ice are coated on long-stem plants in autumn and early winter. The thin layers make exquisite patterns that resemble flowers.
The stems of plants are normally filled with fluid. When this fluid expands and freezes, it drains through the cracks in the stems to form these delightful flower shapes.
It is common to discover frost flowers after the first hard freeze of the season. They don’t last long, though. As soon as the sun warms the air, they will disappear.
The botanical name for frost flowers is Crystallofolia.
They are found in Japan and China, as well as in many areas of the USA. They have been spotted in the Polar regions, around the Great Lakes, in Hot Springs National Park, and in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.
What type of plants form frost flowers?
Any plant which has stems that can rupture and release sap can form frost flowers. Some examples are yellow ironweed, white crownbeard, American dittany (wild oregano) and long branch frostweed.
In Texas Hill country frost flowers often form on Texas frostweed – Verbesinia virginica. This plant is one of the few species of plants in Texas that is capable of producing the icy creations known as frost flowers.
It is amazing to see them wrapped entirely around the plant stem!
Where to find frost flowers
To find frost flowers, you’ll need to watch both the weather and have a calendar handy. As soon as frost starts to develop in the fall, get out early and visit places where you’ve heard that frost flowers form.
Look for frost flowers on a day when the air is freezing, or below freezing, but the ground is unfrozen.
Be sure to bring a camera. If you’re lucky, you may be able to take a few photos before the folds of the frost flowers start to melt in the morning sunlight.
If you are hunting for them, look in areas with weeds that are rarely mowed. Check along creeks and riverbeds and in low-water areas on woodland trails.
Shady spots are also good places to look for them since the air is cooler here. Early morning or after dusk are the best times to find them since they will melt in sunlight.
Frost flower images and facts
The petals of frost flowers can take on very unusual shapes. In the photo below, the flower has a curved opening that reminds me of the skirt of a ball gown!
Frost flowers are delicate. If you touch them, they will come apart.
These creations curl unpredictably as the thin layers of ice are released from plant stems. No two look exactly alike.
Frost flowers are sometimes also called “ice blossoms”. This photo shows how apt that common name is.
Since frost flowers form from the moisture in stems, they often wrap around the whole stem. However, sometimes only a portion of the stem is covered, giving the formation a fringe-like look.
Frost flowers usually form around the base of a stem but some may form higher up the stem if the plant is quite tall.
Their look can be surprising. If this frost flower were pink, one would think it’s cotton candy!
Not all frost flowers are large. Some are whispy and form very close to the stem of the plant.
If the soil has a temperature above freezing, but there is frost on the ground, there is a chance of one forming.
Frost flowers also form on ice
Not all frost flowers form on the stems of plants. Some frost flowers form on new sea ice.
They are usually only found in the first few days of new ice coverage. Frost flowers growing on sea ice have a very high saline content, as well as high concentrations of other sea water chemicals.
This photo, taken at Lake Kussharo in Japan, shows a stunning display of frost flowers on ice.
Have you ever encountered frost flowers? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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❄️🌸 Discover how frost flowers form. These delicate ice formations appear around the time of the first hard frost. Check out our photogallery and be inspired! #FrostFlowers #FallGarden #NatureMagic #NatureLovers Share on XPin this post for Crystallofolia
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Admin note: this post for what are frost flowers first appeared on the blog in October 2013. I have updated the post to add all new photos, more information on frost flowers and a video for you to enjoy.