Frost Flowers, A Unique Natural Phenomena, Are Blooming Early This Year In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published November 06, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Arkansans should be familiar with the wintry phenomena of frost flowers. However, this year we’ve seen the rare occurrence twice! This gorgeous “bloom” doesn’t last long so let’s quickly learn a little more and see these delicate field flowers.
Many Arkansans stepped outside to an unusual sight this past weekend.
It seems our fall lasted about a week and the chilly season has already set in because the frost flowers have started appearing. This "bloom" typically happens at the tail end of our winter during late January to early February. For 2019 we've gotten to see this dainty flowers twice!
Predicting when these "blooms" will happen is rather difficult since these aren't typical flowers.
Frost flowers occur when we have a sudden cold snap while the ground is still warm. The stems of small plants will snap once the sap freezes and expands. The escaped water will freeze into different shapes from wide wings to swirly ribbons.
From afar the frost flowers look like plastic bags or discarded paper but an up close look will reveal a much more delicate treat. Just tread lightly! These little sculptures can crush easily or melt in the sun.
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Frost flowers can occur anywhere if the conditions are right.
Our winter is predicted to be wet and mild so we may not see these flowers again until next year. Whenever they do appear they're quite the treat!
Have you seen a frost flower recently? We’d love to see your photos! Some of these captures came from the members of our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
