If you take an early morning walk in the woods this month you may be lucky enough to see one of nature's rare, and rather beautiful phenomenon.  They're known as frost flowers or ice blossoms, and they occur when conditions are just right, on cold autumn or early winter mornings, often after a period of prolonged rain.

As the name suggests the flowers are made of really fine hair-like strands of ice.  They form when the air temperature drops below freezing.

Water inside of soggy stems and fallen branches expands out through tiny cracks and pinholes in the wood, creating these intricate formations.

If you find one it's best not to move it as it'll most likely just shatter.  Instead, if you have a camera or phone with you, take a picture and send it to us.  We'd love to see it.

Related Pages

• Winter blooming of Snowdrops
• UK Safari Wildflower Section
• UK Safari Plants and Trees Section
• UK Safari News