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.