Frost Flowers

Photo by Amy Jenkins

Frost flowers (also known as ice flowers, ice blossoms, and frost castles) are delicate ribbons of ice that can form when the air temperatures are freezing but the ground remains unfrozen.  Longitudinal cracks form along the stems of some plant species because of freezing sap.  Water from the ground is then drawn out through the cracks in the stem and freezes upon contact with the air.  These beautifully intricate ice structures swirl and curl into flower-like structures as the water oozes out through the cracks and freezes.  FNAI scientists observed these frost flowers along the edge of a marsh a few days ago on a cold morning at Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area in Wakulla and Jefferson Counties.  Be on the watch for them on cold mornings!!

Photo by Amy Jenkins