This is an ice ribbon, known by lots of other names. But I had never seen this phenomenon until I was in the south in November at just the right time. This occurs before the ground is frozen and on mornings when the temperature is below freezing. I've noticed that the optimum temperature seems to be 27 and below. Certain wildflower stalks, like ironweed and frost flower, are still green and have water in the stalks. The freezing temperatures create ice and the water continues to seep out of cracks in the stalks and create these ribbons or flowers. When I first saw them several years ago along the Interstate highway, I thought paper tissues had been caught near the fence. But I stopped, being the curious sort, and discovered dozens of these frost ribbons. They are quite fragile and easily crumble when touched. And the sun instantly melts them. From mid-November until about Christmas, on cold morning, I can find them along my road and the land behind my house. Like snowflakes, they are all unique. I already have hundreds of photographs of them. Most are usually close to the ground, but I have pictures of several that are 2 feet tall. Amazing.