Parnassia fimbriata, commonly known as Fringed Grass of Parnassus, is a perennial herb that thrives in moist meadows, seeps, and the edges of streams in alpine and subalpine zones. It is native to western North America, from Alaska and northwestern Canada to the southern Rocky Mountains. This plant typically forms a low-growing clump reaching up to 16 inches in height, with a basal rosette of heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are notable for their long petioles and rounded blades. In late summer to early fall, it produces a striking single white flower on an erect stem, with each petal delicately fringed and veined, creating a lace-like appearance that is highly attractive to pollinators.

Fringed Grass of Parnassus is valued for its unique and ornamental flowers, which add a touch of elegance to moist garden areas, rock gardens, and naturalized settings. It prefers consistently moist soil, cool temperatures, and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. This plant is not commonly found in cultivation but is a gem for specialty plant collectors and those looking to create a native plant garden. It requires minimal maintenance once established in the right conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0