Crocanthemum carolinianum (Walter) Spach

Carolina Frostweed; Carolina Sunrose

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Carolina Frostweed is a native perennial in the Rock-Rose family (Cistaceae). It is found in the southern half of Alabama. Carolina Frostweed grows in sand hills, in xeric Longleaf pine woods, in scrub oak woods, on old dunes, in cemeteries, and on dry roadsides. Carolina Frostweed is a perennial from a woody tap root with tuberous thickenings. There are usually several stems from a rootstock that are from 6-10 inches in height. The stems are pubescent with long white hairs. Leaves are basal and cauline (on the stem). Leaves are elliptic to obovate in outline, entire, and stellate (star shaped hairs) pubescent on both surfaces. Basal leaves are larger than stem leaves. Flowers are solitary opposite a leaf. The flowers have six sepals, the outer three linear. There are five bright yellow petals. The anthers are orange. The fruit is a capsule. The flowers of Carolina Frostweed are very delicate. They are at their best early in the morning. On hot days they soon wither. The petals detach easily.--A. Diamond

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Native

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