First Major Cold Spell Unveils Enchanting Frost Flowers Across U.S.
The United States experienced its first significant winter weather of the season this week, bringing with it not only snow and frigid temperatures but also a rare natural phenomenon: frost flowers. These delicate ice formations emerge when freezing temperatures cause water to break through the stems of certain plants, creating intricate patterns that can resemble clouds of cotton candy or spun glass.
Frost flowers typically appear in the Eastern United States, particularly in regions where hard freezes are frequent. They are fleeting, often lasting only a few hours before melting away under the sun. Social media was abuzz on December 4 and 5, 2023, as residents in states like Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee shared images of their backyards adorned with these ephemeral ice structures.
Alan Templeton, a professor emeritus at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, has a keen interest in frost flowers. He describes the experience of encountering them as magical. “You have to be at the right time, at the right place,” he noted. “You see them and you know they’re going to be gone in an hour or two. So it’s this very ephemeral, but highly variable beauty, and it’s that combination that makes me so fascinated by them.”
The creation of frost flowers requires specific conditions. The ground must be warm and moist enough to allow water to rise from the roots into the plant’s stem. Meanwhile, the air temperature needs to be low enough for the water to freeze, creating the flower-like structure. Templeton explained that these formations are typically found near the base of certain plants, including white and yellow wingstem, which possess the necessary characteristics for frost flower formation.
While Templeton has observed frost flowers for decades, he noted that this year’s conditions were not ideal. After venturing to a conservation area in St. Louis County on December 4, he found only about two dozen frost flowers, a stark contrast to the hundreds he has seen in previous years. He attributed the limited sightings to the flowers appearing earlier than usual and the temperatures not being cold enough.
Crystal Legens, a resident of Tennessee, discovered frost flowers three years ago when her family moved to a more rural area. During her commute to work in McKenzie, approximately 47 miles (75 kilometers) northeast of Jackson, she spotted the flowers and initially mistook them for spider webs. “People live here their whole lives and they never even know that they exist because they just never see them or they’re not in the right place at the right time,” she remarked.
The beauty of frost flowers lies in their uniqueness; no two formations are identical. Templeton reflects on their beauty and the fleeting nature of this phenomenon, saying, “They’re really beautiful. And also each one is unique.” As winter progresses, the opportunity to witness these enchanting displays will diminish until the next season, leaving many to cherish the brief moments when nature reveals its delicate artistry.
