Pine Barren Frostweed
ExplorePlants
Pine Barren Frostweed
crocanthemum corymbosum
Pine Barren Frostweed (Crocanthemum corymbosum) is a resilient perennial wildflower native to the sandy coastal plains and pine barrens of the southeastern United States. Thriving in nutrient-poor environments, this hardy species brightens open sandy habitats with its yellow flowers. It belongs to the rockrose family, which is highly adapted to fire-prone ecosystems. What makes this plant particularly captivating is its ability to produce delicate, ribbon-like ice crystals from its stems during early winter freezes, hence the name 'frostweed'. Throughout the spring and summer, it acts as a valuable food source for various native insect pollinators.
Habitat: Typically found in well-drained, sandy soils of pine flatwoods, coastal scrub, sandhills, and maritime forests of the southeastern United States.
Appearance
Growing between 15 and 50 cm tall, this perennial plant features erect, woody-based stems clad in fine, star-shaped hairs that give it a slightly dusty, grayish-green appearance. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate to elliptic. In late spring, it produces clusters of bright yellow flowers, each featuring five delicate, paper-like petals surrounding a central cluster of many golden-yellow stamens. It also bears smaller, petal-less, self-pollinating flowers closer to the ground.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyCistaceaeGenusCrocanthemum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It belongs to the rockrose family, Cistaceae, which is renowned for species that thrive in harsh, rocky, or sandy disturbances.
The dramatic ice ribbons it produces are caused by capillary action, drawing water up from the roots to freeze at the stem base.
The plant's showy flowers only open for a single day, relying on rapid visitation by insect pollinators before shedding their petals.
Special abilities
Ability
Ice Crystallization
On freezing winter mornings, sap is forced out of fissures in the lower stem, freezing instantly into intricate, ribbon-like ice sculptures.
Ability
Cleistogamous Flowering
The plant produces closed, self-pollinating flowers near the ground as a reproductive backup system in case open flowers are not pollinated.
Ability
Fire Adaptation
It possesses a woody base and deep root system that allow it to quickly resprout and thrive following seasonal wildfires.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-50 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum pectorale
Native bees visit the showy yellow flowers to collect pollen and nectar, assisting in cross-pollination.
eaten by
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Gopher tortoises forage on the low-growing foliage and stems of the plant in sandy upland habitats.
competitor
Wiregrass
Aristida stricta
It competes for space, sunlight, and soil moisture with dominant groundcover plants in pine barrens.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Pine Barren Frostweed?
The easiest way to identify Pine Barren Frostweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Pine Barren Frostweed?
15-50 cm
How long does Pine Barren Frostweed live?
3-10 years
What does Pine Barren Frostweed eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Where is Pine Barren Frostweed usually found?
Typically found in well-drained, sandy soils of pine flatwoods, coastal scrub, sandhills, and maritime forests of the southeastern United States.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
