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Smith, R.W.
Parnassia glauca Raf.
Fen grass of Parnassus, Grass-of-Parnassus
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)
USDA Symbol: PAGL3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
1 white flower, with petals striped with green veins, atop a stem bearing 1 rounded, clasping leaf at midstem; other leaves basal.
The delicate, green veins of the petals are the distinctive feature of this perennial. Despite its common name, it does not really resemble a grass; Parnassus refers to the Greek mountain, sacred to Apollo, where the ancient naturalist Dioscorides observed similar plants in meadows. Three other very similar species of Parnassia occur in the South.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: CT , IA , IL , IN , MA , ME , MI , MN , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , VT , WICanada: MB , NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Saskatchewan east to Newfoundland, south to Pennsylvania, and west to Illinois, Iowa, and the Dakotas.
Native Habitat: Bogs, meadows, and shorelines.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Sandy loam
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Parnassia glauca in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Parnassia glauca in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Parnassia glauca
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-07-02Research By: TWC Staff
