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Grass of Parnassus

Parnassia palustris

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Celastrales

Family:

Celastraceae (Staff Tree)

Also in this family:

European Spindle, Evergreen Spindle, Large-leaved Spindle

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Bogs, fens, grassland, marshes, meadows, moorland, mountains, riverbanks, riversides, sand dunes, swamps, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:

White, 5 petals

This plant is in decline and within the British Isles it is mainly found in Scotland. In the south of England it is virtually non-existent. Grass of Parnassus is also the county flower of Cumbria and is not a grass at all. The flowers are solitary and look like white buttercups. Each flower has 5 sepals which tapers into a point. Flowers have 5 stamens and 4 stigmas.

Fruit:

The fruit of Grass of Parnassus is a capsule. This dry, dehiscent fruit typically contains numerous small seeds. The capsule splits open when mature, releasing the seeds into the surrounding environment. The seeds are adapted for dispersal, allowing the plant to reproduce and colonize new areas. The overall structure of the fruit is a common feature among plants in the genus Parnassia.

Leaves:

Perennial with pale green oval leaves. The long-stalked leaves are heart-shaped and similar in appearance to the leaves of Violet. The leaf including the stalk can reach up to 14cm in length.

Aroma:

Grass of Parnassus is not typically known for having a distinctive fragrance. The primary allure of this plant lies in its elegant appearance, with beautiful white or yellowish flowers and unique markings on the petals. Unlike some flowering plants that attract pollinators through scent, Grass-of-Parnassus relies more on its visual appeal to entice insects for pollination. As a result, it is not commonly described as having a notable fragrance.

Other Names:

Alaska Grass of Parnassus, Bog-star, Marsh Grass, Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus, Mountain Grass of Parnassus, Northern Grass-of-Parnassus.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Meadow-foam

Summary

Parnassia palustris is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Parnassiaceae. It is commonly known as the grass of Parnassus or bog star, and is native to bogs, fens, and other wetlands in northern and central Europe and Asia. The plant has white flowers with five petals and small green leaves that grow in a rosette. It typically blooms from July to September. Parnassia palustris is often used as a wetland indicator species, and is considered an indicator of high-quality wetland habitat.

Blog

Grass of Parnassus, or Parnassia palustris, is a stunning and unique flowering plant that is native to wetlands, marshes, and bogs throughout the Northern Hemisphere. This plant is part of the Parnassiaceae family, which includes about 60 species of herbaceous perennials.

The Grass of Parnassus typically grows to be between 10-30 cm tall and produces distinctive white or yellowish-green flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a prominent central boss of yellow stamens, giving them a star-like appearance. The petals often have delicate veins running through them, adding to their beauty.

One of the most remarkable things about the Grass of Parnassus is the way in which it attracts pollinators. Instead of producing nectar like most other flowers, the Grass of Parnassus has tiny, shiny droplets on the tips of its stamens that mimic the appearance of nectar. This adaptation attracts flies and other insects, which in turn pollinate the plant as they move from flower to flower.

The Grass of Parnassus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, from wet to dry soils and from full sun to partial shade. It can be found growing in bogs, fens, and other wetland habitats, and is often a sign of healthy wetland ecosystems. In fact, the Grass of Parnassus is sometimes used as an indicator species for assessing wetland health.

Aside from its ecological importance, the Grass of Parnassus also has some cultural significance. In Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus was the home of the Muses, and was associated with poetry, music, and the arts. The Grass of Parnassus was named after this mountain, and has since become a symbol of beauty, inspiration, and creativity.

Unfortunately, like many other wetland plants, the Grass of Parnassus is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. Wetlands are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, and their destruction has led to declines in many plant and animal species. In order to protect the Grass of Parnassus and other wetland species, it is important to preserve and restore wetland habitats.

The Grass of Parnassus has also been used for medicinal purposes in some traditional cultures. The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the medicinal potential of this plant.

Interestingly, the Grass of Parnassus has also been used in modern horticulture as a garden plant. Its unique appearance and ability to grow in wet soils make it a desirable addition to water gardens and boggy areas. However, it is important to be mindful of the ecological impact of introducing non-native species to wetland habitats.

The Grass of Parnassus is also a popular subject for artists and photographers, due to its striking appearance and delicate beauty. It has been featured in many works of art and literature, and continues to inspire people with its unique characteristics.

In terms of conservation, the Grass of Parnassus is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is important to continue monitoring the population of this species, especially in areas where wetland habitats are threatened by human activities such as drainage and development.

One interesting fact about the Grass of Parnassus is that its seeds are dispersed by water. The plant produces small, capsule-like fruits that float on the surface of the water. As the fruits decay, the seeds are released and can be carried away by the currents. This method of dispersal is an adaptation to the wetland habitat in which the plant grows, and allows the species to spread to new areas.

Another important aspect of the Grass of Parnassus is its relationship with other species in its ecosystem. The plant provides a source of food and habitat for a variety of insects, including bees, flies, and butterflies. These insects, in turn, serve as pollinators for the plant, ensuring its continued reproduction. The Grass of Parnassus is also important for the health of wetland ecosystems, as it helps to stabilize soils and prevent erosion.

Finally, the Grass of Parnassus is a beautiful example of the diversity and adaptability of plant life on our planet. Its striking appearance and unique adaptations serve as a reminder of the intricate web of life that exists in our wetland ecosystems, and the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations. By learning more about the Grass of Parnassus and other wetland species, we can better appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and work towards ensuring its continued survival.

Facts about Grass of Parnassus

Facts:

The Grass of Parnassus, or Parnassia palustris, is a flowering plant native to wetlands, marshes, and bogs throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Its distinctive white or yellowish-green flowers have five petals and a central boss of yellow stamens, attracting pollinators by mimicking nectar with shiny droplets.
The Grass of Parnassus can grow in wet to dry soils, full sun to partial shade, and is a sign of healthy wetland ecosystems, sometimes used as an indicator species for assessing wetland health.
It has cultural significance, being named after Mount Parnassus in Greek mythology and symbolizing beauty, inspiration, and creativity.
The Grass of Parnassus has been used for medicinal purposes and as a garden plant, and is popular in art and literature.
Its seeds are dispersed by water and it has important ecological relationships with other species in its ecosystem.

Summary: The Grass of Parnassus is a striking and unique flowering plant native to wetlands in the Northern Hemisphere. Its distinctive appearance and clever adaptations to attract pollinators make it a fascinating species to observe and study. It is important for healthy wetland ecosystems and has cultural and medicinal significance, as well as uses in horticulture and art. By understanding and protecting the Grass of Parnassus and other wetland species, we can better appreciate the beauty and importance of our natural world.