Parnassia palustris, commonly known as marsh grass of Parnassus or bog star, is a perennial herb that thrives in the wetlands of northern temperate Eurasia, including fens, wet moorlands, and marshes. It is characterized by its basal rosette of long-stemmed, heart-shaped leaves and a single, showy white flower per stem, which blooms from July to October. The flower, typically 2.5 cm in diameter, has five petals and produces a honey-like scent to attract pollinators such as bees and flies. The plant’s height usually ranges from 10 to 30 cm.

Marsh grass of Parnassus is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in water gardens and bog garden settings. It prefers consistently moist, calcareous soils and can tolerate partial shade, although it flourishes in full sun. While it is not commonly used today, P. palustris has a history of medicinal use, particularly in treating liver disorders and indigestion, and was once believed to dissolve kidney stones. Its ease of maintenance and resistance to common diseases make it a desirable plant for gardeners interested in wetland conservation and creating habitats for pollinators. However, it can be sensitive to waterlogged conditions in winter and may require protection in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0