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Verbesina virginica

frostweed

Asteraceae Eastern and central United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Verbesina virginica, commonly called frostweed or white crownbeard, is a tall North American perennial in the daisy family, reaching 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) on stout stems lined with conspicuous lengthwise wings. The alternate leaves are broadly lance-shaped, grey-green, and rough to the touch, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, tapering down the winged stem. From late summer into autumn the stems are topped by broad, flattened clusters of small white flower heads, each head with a few short ray florets around a white centre. The autumn flowers are a heavy nectar source and draw bees, butterflies, and migrating monarchs. The common name comes from a winter phenomenon: on the first hard freeze, sap expands and splits the lower stem, pushing out thin, curling ribbons of ice known as frost flowers. The plant grows in light woodland, shaded edges, and stream banks on moist soils, spreading by seed and short rhizomes. Its height and slender stems can lean or flop in rich soil or deep shade, and it self-sows freely where conditions suit.

Native Range

Native to the eastern and central United States, from the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest south to Texas and Florida, and into northeastern Mexico. It grows in moist woodlands, thickets, and floodplain edges.

Suggested Uses

Planted in native and pollinator gardens, woodland edges, rain gardens, and naturalized shade borders. It is a late-season nectar source and produces a winter ice-ribbon display. Its height suits the back of a border or an informal planting.

How to Identify

Identify it by tall stems with distinct papery wings running lengthwise and rough, grey-green leaves that taper onto those wings. Flat-topped clusters of small white daisy-like heads appear in autumn. After the first hard freeze, look for thin, curled ribbons of ice splitting from the base of the dead stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 7'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Fall

Flowering runs from late summer into autumn, roughly September to November, later than most native perennials. The white clusters open over several weeks. Seed ripens through autumn and feeds birds into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 3-7 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years to flowering

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Verbesina virginica grows in partial shade to full sun on moist, fertile soils and tolerates clay and seasonal dampness. It needs steady moisture for the fullest growth but withstands short dry spells once established. In rich soil or deep shade the tall stems can flop, so a more open, sunnier position keeps them upright. It needs no feeding and is largely free of pests, and deer tend to leave the rough foliage alone. Self-sown seedlings appear readily and are thinned where unwanted. Stems are left standing into winter for the frost-flower display and for seed-eating birds.

Pruning

Cut the dead stems to the ground in late winter after the frost-flower display has finished. Shorten stems in early summer for a lower, branched habit if flopping is a concern. Clear spent seed heads to limit self-seeding.