Contents
Description
Verbesina Virginica, also known as Frostweed or White Crownbeard, is a wildflower native to North America. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and has a white, daisy-like flower that blooms in late summer to early fall. The plant is named Frostweed because of the ice crystals that form on its stem in the winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Verbesina |
Appearance
Verbesina Virginica has a tall, upright stem with large, toothed leaves that grow up to 8 inches long. The stem is covered in fine hairs and can be slightly purple in color. The white, daisy-like flowers bloom in a flat-topped cluster at the top of the stem and can measure up to 2 inches across. The plant produces a large, dry fruit that contains small seeds.
Care Guide
Verbesina Virginica prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate some drought once established. Water regularly and fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Pests & Diseases
Verbesina Virginica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions or if air circulation is poor. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants.
Habitat
Verbesina Virginica is native to North America and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Verbesina Virginica be grown in containers?
A: While Verbesina Virginica can be grown in containers, it prefers to grow in the ground where it can spread out its roots.
Q: When is the best time to plant Verbesina Virginica?
A: The best time to plant Verbesina Virginica is in the spring after the last frost.
Q: How often should Verbesina Virginica be fertilized?
A: Verbesina Virginica should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Verbesina Virginica toxic to pets?
A: Verbesina Virginica is not toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Verbesina alternifolia
- Verbesina encelioides
- Verbesina helianthoides
References
- “Verbesina virginica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 April 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275618&isprofile=0&=&returnUrl=%2fPlantFinder%2fPlantFinder.aspx%3f&=&s=verbesina%20virginica%20%3a%3a%20plant%20finder>
- “Verbesina virginica.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 14 April 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VEVI>
- “Verbesina virginica.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 14 April 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbesina-virginica/>
