The first major blast of wintry weather in the U.S. this week brought snow, frigid temperatures, and in some places, something a little more magical: Frost flowers.
Made of thin ribbons of ice that extend out in intricate patterns when frozen water breaks through the slits of certain types of plant stems, these icy blooms can disintegrate with a single touch, appearing for only hours at a time.
Typically found in the eastern half of the U.S., particularly the upper regions where hard freezes are common, frost flowers resemble clouds of cotton candy or spun glass. For many, it's a well-known phenomenon signaling the arrival of winter, as people arise early to catch a glimpse before the day’s warmth melts them away.
On Monday and Tuesday, residents in Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and other areas shared photos on social media, showcasing undisturbed fields and gardens adorned with these ephemeral pieces of natural art in the early hours following the freeze.
“You have to be at the right time, at the right place,” noted Alan Templeton, a professor emeritus at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He finds the variability and temporary beauty of frost flowers fascinating. “It’s this very ephemeral beauty, and it’s that combination that makes me so captivated by them.”
The formation of these intricate ice patterns relies on several conditions: the ground must be warm and wet, allowing water to move from the plant roots to the stem, while the air must be cold enough to freeze the liquid, creating the flower-like appearance. Only specific plants, such as white and yellow wingstems, can produce these delicate blossoms under the right conditions.
Templeton first discovered frost flowers while researching in the Missouri Ozarks decades ago. He remarked, “They’re really beautiful. Each one is unique; no two frost flowers are the same.” After realizing the weather conditions were ideal for frost flowers, he ventured to a conservation area to find past spots filled with them—this time only spotting a few due to the variations in temperature.
Residents like Crystal Legens from Tennessee, who only recently discovered frost flowers, share their excitement. Initially mistaking the formations for spider webs, she was fascinated by their fragile nature. “People can live here their whole life and never even know they exist because they just aren’t in the right place at the right time,” she said, underscoring the fleeting wonder of winter's beauty.
Made of thin ribbons of ice that extend out in intricate patterns when frozen water breaks through the slits of certain types of plant stems, these icy blooms can disintegrate with a single touch, appearing for only hours at a time.
Typically found in the eastern half of the U.S., particularly the upper regions where hard freezes are common, frost flowers resemble clouds of cotton candy or spun glass. For many, it's a well-known phenomenon signaling the arrival of winter, as people arise early to catch a glimpse before the day’s warmth melts them away.
On Monday and Tuesday, residents in Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and other areas shared photos on social media, showcasing undisturbed fields and gardens adorned with these ephemeral pieces of natural art in the early hours following the freeze.
“You have to be at the right time, at the right place,” noted Alan Templeton, a professor emeritus at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He finds the variability and temporary beauty of frost flowers fascinating. “It’s this very ephemeral beauty, and it’s that combination that makes me so captivated by them.”
The formation of these intricate ice patterns relies on several conditions: the ground must be warm and wet, allowing water to move from the plant roots to the stem, while the air must be cold enough to freeze the liquid, creating the flower-like appearance. Only specific plants, such as white and yellow wingstems, can produce these delicate blossoms under the right conditions.
Templeton first discovered frost flowers while researching in the Missouri Ozarks decades ago. He remarked, “They’re really beautiful. Each one is unique; no two frost flowers are the same.” After realizing the weather conditions were ideal for frost flowers, he ventured to a conservation area to find past spots filled with them—this time only spotting a few due to the variations in temperature.
Residents like Crystal Legens from Tennessee, who only recently discovered frost flowers, share their excitement. Initially mistaking the formations for spider webs, she was fascinated by their fragile nature. “People can live here their whole life and never even know they exist because they just aren’t in the right place at the right time,” she said, underscoring the fleeting wonder of winter's beauty.
