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Native Plant Society of Texas

Frostweed

Verbesina microptera

Other common name(s):

Mexican Crown Beard, Texas Crownbeard, Capitana

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Coastal Sand Plain, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
6
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Suitable for xeriscaping. Dry stalks can be cut back or left for insects to hibernate in winter. A hard frost causes a white foamy, frosty substance to emerge from the stems. Native habitat: woods and pastures of the Texas Coastal Bend. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms May-December. A tall upright plant. Leaves are variable and can be triangular, lance shaped, or oval with serrated margins. Flowers are clustered in flat topped arrangements. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Verbesina microptera var. mollissima, Verbesina texana

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Start your seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use a seed starting mix or a blend of potting soil and vermiculite. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep into the seed starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist. They should germinate within 10-14 days at a temperature of 70-75°F. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions. This process, called hardening off, will help them adjust to the sun and wind before transplanting. Once the threat of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings into well-drained soil in a sunny location. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-verbesina-microptera/
Stem Cutting Cut a section of stem with 2-3 nodes, removing the leaves from the bottom node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with rooting mix, such as perlite, vermiculite, or a mixture of both. Water the rooting mix regularly and keep the cutting in a bright but indirect light location. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has formed a strong root system, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Take cuttings in spring or summer when the plant i s actively growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems with several nodes (the bumps on the stem where leaves grow). https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-verbesina-microptera/
Clump division Division Use a sharp knife or shovel to divide the plant into sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and stems. Plant the divisions in well-prepared soil, spacing them according to their mature size. Water them generously and provide regular care. Carefully dig up the plant, making sure to disturb the roots as little as possible. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-verbesina-microptera/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason