What it is
Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. A tall shade native whose stems split and extrude ribbons of ice on the first hard freeze — and feeds late monarchs.
How to grow it
It wants part shade, water it low to moderate, and give it tolerant soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 2–3 ft apart. Expect roughly Established. Hardy native perennial.
How it's used
Frostweed is used: ornamental; pollinator.
🔎 How to identify it
- Winged stems, large rough leaves
- White flower clusters in fall
- Ice 'flowers' at first freeze
Not for eating
Grown for the garden, soil, or pollinators — not as food.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.