Frostweed
Verbesina virginica

The six foot tall, winged stalks and up to 10 inch long, lanceolate, often deeply lobed leaves give this plant a rank appearence. It is during the late summer when heads of butterfly attracting white flowers appear that the value of this plant is realized.

It is found along canals or the edge of salt marshes in dense colonies. Due to the abundance of seedlings that sprout around the plant, it is not recommended for small gardens.

Drought tolerant and able to out compete most weeds, it makes an interesting background plant.

Mass along a lake edge, roadway or mix with elderberry, salt bush, or wax myrtle. May get large numbers of black aphids on the new growth. These are food for predatory insects and do no harm to the plant.