Grass of Parnassus
Fringed Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia fimbriata) is a perennial found in damp sub-alpine areas in the BC Interior. It grows from short, fibrous roots. Several stems rise to as much as 30 cm. Broad kidney-shaped basal glossy green leaves extend at low angles. Single terminal flowers have 5 white petals, fringed with white hairs below. In the middle of the inflorescence are 5 stamens and 5 sterile yellowish stamens and several lobes. The flowers appear in the July to September time period.
After flowering, egg-shaped capsules form and many seeds are dispersed in late summer. During the flowering period we have observed flies as the main pollinators. We can readily see this wildflower on Tod Mountain, the Trophy Mountains, and other damp sub-alpine meadows.
A Google Photos slideshow is embedded here. Click an image for the album and more information.
Discover more from Wildflower Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


Comments
Grass of Parnassus — No Comments
HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>