Verbesina virginica, Frostweed

Frostweed Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is a robust, herbaceous perennial wildflower that bears clusters of white ray florets and white disk florets with noticeably contrasting purplish-black anthers. Its leaves are dark green with rough surfaces and toothed margins and are oppositely arranged. Its stem is distinctive in that it has wing-like flanges running along its length. Frostweed typically flowers late summer through fall. It occurs naturally along moist forest and hammock edges throughout the state. It is attractive to many bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The name “frostweed” comes from the plant’s unique habit of exuding water from its stems during times of frost. The water freezes and produces interestingly shaped ice “sculptures.” Other common names are white crownbeard, iceplant, iceweed, Virginia crownbeard, and Indian tobacco, referring to how Native Americans smoked its dried leaves like tobacco. Family: Asteraceae (Aster, daisy or composite family)Native range