What Are Frost Flowers?

Such beautiful “flowers” belong in a winter fairy’s bouquet!

These awe-inspiring, icy formations, sprawling out of stems, are naturally called frost flowers. Also known as frost ribbons due to their flowing nature, these creations are a stunning nature phenomenon. 

They appear to be curling or folding glassy petals, made of thin ice. Although frost “flowers” aren’t actual flowers. They first begin when moisture within the soil rises into a flower stem and begins to freeze. As it freezes, the moisture expands to the point of ripping through the stem! When it comes into contact with the chilly air, then paper-thin ribbons of ice form. 

Frost flowers are only possible with moist, unfrozen ground, as well as freezing air temperatures and flower stems which haven’t frozen before. Thus, these gorgeous creations can only occur once a year, making frost flowers an even more special and unique gift from nature…or winter fairies.

Website Cited Source:

“Frost Flowers”

US Department of Commerce,

Photographs found on Pinterest

Visit the “Flora” section of this blog to learn more about aspects of nature!