Frostweed
Verbesina virginica
Also listed as Phaethusa laciniata, Phaethusa virginica
Also known as White Crownbeard, Virginia Crownbeard
Climate Match for your location
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Frostweed is a native perennial wildflower known for its delicate white flowers that bloom late in the season and its distinctive ice-crystal formations on the stems in early winter. It attracts pollinators and provides late-season color in naturalized gardens.
Why grow it
Frostweed extends the nectar availability for pollinators into late autumn and early winter when few other native species are flowering, making it a useful component in succession plantings rather than a primary season feature. Compared to other late-blooming perennials, it tolerates drier soils and partial shade, which can simplify placement in mixed borders or naturalized areas without requiring supplemental irrigation.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if volunteer seedlings become excessive in smaller gardens. It performs best with good air circulation and benefits from occasional division or rejuvenation pruning to maintain vigor over time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Frostweed is a native perennial wildflower known for its delicate white flowers that bloom late in the season and its distinctive ice-crystal formations on the stems in early winter. It attracts pollinators and provides late-season color in naturalized gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Frostweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Frostweed extends the nectar availability for pollinators into late autumn and early winter when few other native species are flowering, making it a useful component in succession plantings rather than a primary season feature. Compared to other late-blooming perennials, it tolerates drier soils and partial shade, which can simplify placement in mixed borders or naturalized areas without requiring supplemental irrigation.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if volunteer seedlings become excessive in smaller gardens. It performs best with good air circulation and benefits from occasional division or rejuvenation pruning to maintain vigor over time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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