Frostweed

Green Side Up

The amazing property of the Frostweed, and the source of its common name, is exhibited when frosts occur. The stem splits and as the sap freezes it oozes out of the winged stem. As it freezes it curls into fascinating ribbons resembling mini-ice sculptures. This same phenomenon is also reported to occur on the stems of some other plants. It is worth the effort to “Google” Frostweed pictures.

A Master Naturalist friend recently introduced me to this native plant of which I was unaware. Its other common names include White Crownbeard, Iceplant, Iceweed, Virginia Crownbeard, Indian Tobacco, Richweed, Squawweed and Tickweed. This plant is native to most states from Pennsylvania west to Texas and south to Florida. In Texas it is native to all but the far west, panhandle and deep south Texas.

This particular specimen was found in the park being developed west of Strawn. Frostweed is in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and to the genus Verbesina. This biennial is one of the few native plants that thrives in shade or partial shade. Most of our natives like full sun. It grows in well-drained soils from slightly acid to slightly alkaline pH. It has low to medium water requirements and can survive in dry or moist environments. Frostweed is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscapes.

It is found under trees and other semi-shaded areas and along stream banks and slopes. Frostweed is also reported to be deer resistant.

Frostweed forms an upright, unbranched plant four to six feet tall under optimal conditions but somewhat shorter under less favorable conditions (such as drought). The stem does not branch until the flowers begin to form. It tends to colonize both by its spreading rhizomes and by seed distribution. It can dominate a landscape and is best used in naturalized settings or in transition areas between manicured landscapes and wild or meadow landscapes. The leaves are four to eight inches long and one to three inches wide and dark green. The leaf stalks extend down the stem as narrow wings.

The flowers are borne on branches on the terminal end of the stem. They are white and about half an inch in diameter. Several of these flowers are produced in clusters and several clusters together form flat or rounded terminal heads three to six inches across. The flowering period of Frostweed is late summer to early fall about the same time as Liatris, typically August through November. The flowers are a major nectar source for butterflies and both native and honey bees at this time of year. Plants are important to butterfly populations either as host plants and food sources for the larvae/caterpillars or as nectar sources for the mature butterfly. Several species of butterflies, including the Monarch, are drawn to the nectar of the Frostweed.

Frostweed can be propagated from seeds collected or allowed to spread naturally and colonize. Seeds can be collected by allowing the seed-heads to dry on the plants before removing and collecting the seeds. Properly cleaned seeds can be successfully stored in a dry, cool place. Seeds can be directly sown outdoors in the fall or after the last frost in the spring.

It is reported that the American Indians and indigenous peoples of Mexico dried the leaves of Frostweed and used as a tobacco substitute, thus the common names Squawweed and Indian Tobacco. They also used parts of the plant to ease gastrointestinal symptoms mainly as a laxative and as a treatment for urinary tract problems and certain eye ailments.