FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Frostweed

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is a tall native wildflower found along forest edges. It bears large domed clusters of white flowers with purplish-black anthers in late summer through fall. Also called white crownbead, it grows 3-6 feet tall. Each stem has soft green wing-like flanges. The flowers attract butterflies and support native bees. Frostweed prefers dappled shade and thrives in moist wooded areas. More sun and dryer soil encourage more blooms and smaller plants. This robust deer-resistant perennial re-seeds readily and spreads by rhizomes to form colonies. When temperatures drop below freezing but the ground remains warm and sap still flows, the lower stems split and push out ribbons of ice crystals that can form flowerlike petals. Frostweed just finished blooming along the western fence in the woods at Sopchoppy Depot Park.