frost crack A Norway maple (Acer platanoides) displaying a frost crack caused by cold winter weather. Tissues within the tree can freeze and expand rapidly, causing the bark to split and crack. (more) Can the Cold Really Cause Trees to Explode? Written by John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. Rafferty Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Jan. 22, 2026 •History Several forces can cause a plant (or a structure within a plant) to burst. Some of these “explosions” are by design: Several plants (including milkweed, touch-me-nots, squirting cucumbers, and blue violets) use the pressure built up in their tissues over a period of growth to launch their seeds over considerable distances. Other explosions are caused by external forces, such as lightning strikes. However, did you know that extreme cold can also cause plants—trees specifically—to explode?...

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