Frost Flowers, Winter Wonders
Photo by Hannah Lieffring
Photo by John Manion
If you love nature but think there’s less to see on those cold days, Reflection Riding has something that can debunk that myth - frost flowers! Trust us when we say you won't want to miss this fascinating phenomenon. The search begins on brisk, chilly mornings when you can see your breath and there’s frost on the ground.
Photo by Hannah Lieffring
From late fall to early winter, while ground temperatures are still warm, plant root systems continue moving fluid or sap from roots to stems. Then, when the air temperature dips below freezing, the "sap" bursts from small slits in the stem and freezes, creating frost flowers. These thin layers of ice curl, fold, and expand into crystalline structures that resemble petals. These ice formations normally melt before noon, so they're easy to miss. Not all plants produce these delicate ice formations, but frost flowers are commonly seen on Wingstem species, a member of the Asteraceae family, which can be found all around our campus.
Some of the best areas to find frost flowers are moist, shaded woodlands, such as the Glendale Garden, near the Nature Center. Other areas that produce large amounts of frost flowers include riparian zones along Lookout Creek, around ponds, and springs. If you get the chance to photograph these cool creations, you'll notice just how unique each one is.
Photo by John Manion
By Hannah Lieffring, Nursery Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
Born and raised in the farmlands of Western Wisconsin, Hannah was submerged in the outdoors from an early age. Her love for tall grass prairies and the glaciated hillsides lead her to pursue a degree in Field Biology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Hannah interned with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where she developed a love for private lands biology. Many of her projects there required intricate planning and research of soils, geology, flora and fauna. Even when she’s not working, you’ll probably find her collecting seeds and sowing native plants, which is her longtime passion.