Verbesina virginica L.

White Crownbeard; Frostweed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

White Crownbeard is a native herbaceous biennial or perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. White Crownbeard occurs in prairies, in pastures, in forest openings, along streams, and on roadsides. It is most common in areas with neutral or basic soils. White Crownbeard is a perennial from a short upright rootstock with long, thick, cord-like roots and rhizomes. The stems are 3-8 feet in height and unbranched below the inflorescence. The stems are green in color, with winged internodes, and pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petiolate with winged petioles, ovate to lanceolate in outline, with toothed margins. The leaves are pubescent on both surfaces. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs. Each head has 1-7 white ray flowers and 8-15 off-white disc flowers. The fruit is a winged achene with two small bristles at its apex. White Crownbeard is available from many native plant nurseries. It prefers a moist, organic rich soil in full sun or light shade. Plants can become weedy, spreading by seed and from rhizomes. Because of its height, it is best used along the back of beds or as a screen along a forest edge or stream. White Crownbeard is attractive to many species of butterflies. An alternate name for this plant is “Frost flower”. Dead stems take up moisture from the soil during the winter. When they freeze at night, the ice expands into thin curving “petals” from the stem.--A. Diamond

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Native FACU (NWPL)

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