Fen Grass-Of-Parnassus
(Parnassia glauca)
Fen Grass-Of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca)
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Derek
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Derek
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Derek | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Derek | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-09-02T14:40:35Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Parnassia glauca, commonly known as Fen Grass-of-Parnassus, is a perennial herb native to calcareous fens and wet meadows in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region, often found in alkaline, moist to wet soils. This plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) and features basal leaves that are heart-shaped to nearly round, with long petioles. The flowers, which bloom from late summer to early fall, are quite showy with five white petals, each adorned with distinctive green veins that may act as nectar guides for pollinators. The unique structure of the sterile stamens, which mimic nectar drops, is particularly attractive and can entice insects.
Fen Grass-of-Parnassus is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in water gardens, bog gardens, and other moist areas where its high water needs can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently wet, calcareous soils. While it is not commonly found in the nursery trade, it can be a unique addition to native plant gardens or restoration projects. Care should be taken to provide adequate water, as it does not tolerate drought well. There are no major disease problems, but it can be sensitive to water quality and may struggle in polluted or highly acidic conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Fen Grass-of-Parnassus is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in water gardens, bog gardens, and other moist areas where its high water needs can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently wet, calcareous soils. While it is not commonly found in the nursery trade, it can be a unique addition to native plant gardens or restoration projects. Care should be taken to provide adequate water, as it does not tolerate drought well. There are no major disease problems, but it can be sensitive to water quality and may struggle in polluted or highly acidic conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Wet, Slow
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Calcareous fens and wet meadows in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region
Other Names
Common Names: American Grass-Of-Parnassus, Blue-Green Grass-Of-Parnassus, Fen Grass-Of-Parnassus, Glaucous Grass-Of-Parnassus, Parnassie Glauque, Parnassie À Feuilles Glauques
Scientific Names: , Parnassia glauca, Parnassia americana, Parnassia repanda, Parnassia rotundifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Parnassia glauca Raf.