Fringed Grass-of-Parnassus
Fringed grass of parnassus (Parnassia fimbriata) is a perennial herb we spot in wet zones at mid-to- subalpine areas.
- A short, stout rootstock develops from fibrous roots/rhizomes.
- Stems grow 15 – 30 cm.
- Most of the leaves are basal, heart or kidney shaped, and glossy.
- One small clasping stem leaf appears halfway up the stem.
- Terminal white fringed flowers with greenish veins are quite showy.
- Parnassia usually have five stamens and five alternating staminodes (sterile stamens). The overall effect makes the infloresence look complex and unique.
- All photos by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view.
- Capsules with lots of seeds form after the summer flowering.
- The plant is now in the Celastraceae (bittersweet) family.
- A similar variety is Northern grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia palustris) which does not have the fringed petals and has basal leaves that are more heart-like. It may also be called Marsh grass-of-parnassus.
Always loved these little guys.
I first spotted this species at the Long Point Bird Observatory, in Ontario, growing inbetween sand dunes where it was wet and low growing sedges, near the Tip banding station. It was during the mid to late ’60s. Also growing there was Fringed Gentian, my all time favorite biennial!