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Crystallofolia in Extreme Drought, Winter 2008–2009

In spite of the record drought of spring 2008 through September 2009, both Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) and Marsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata) produced crystallofolia, although less spectacular than during the preceding winter.

Marsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata)

Only a few marsh fleabane plants survived the 2008 summer (and none were noted in 2009 until after the drought had ended in September), but at least one yielded frost formations (click for detail):

P. odorata, 2 December 2008	P. odorata, 7 December 2008

Frostweed (Verbesina virginica)

In general frostweed proved very hardy during the 2008–2009 drought, but fewer plants displayed frost formations, the size of the formations was smaller, and no crystallofolia was noted later than January 30 — the winter was unusually warm.

V. virginica population, 16 December 2008 (area in red shown on right)

V. virginica, base of large plant, 2 December 2008		Detail (ice already melting).

Additional images for winter 2008–2009; click to enlarge.

2 December 2008	2 December 2008	2 December 2008	7 December 2008

7 December 2008	14 December 2008	16 December 2008

16 December 2008	16 December 2008	30 December 2008

30 December 2008	30 January 2009	18 March 2009