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fen grass of Parnassus

Parnassia glauca

Fen grass of Parnassus is a lovely plant with white flowers that bloom in the summer. It grows in wet places and is a special sight in nature, often found near marshes and ponds.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The fen grass of Parnassus has bright white, cup-shaped flowers, each with five petals that display delicate green veins. A single flower grows atop a slender, leafless stem, often appearing to float like a star against its green marshy backdrop. Its unique fringed green staminodes make it distinctive.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCelastralesFamilyParnassiaceaeGenusParnassia
fen grass of Parnassus
flowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgegrasslike trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
fen grass of Parnassus

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, it’s not a true grass, but a beautiful flowering herb!

Its name 'Parnassia' comes from Mount Parnassus in Greece, a home of the Muses.

Some people call it 'Bog Stars' because its flowers shine brightly in wet, marshy lands.

The tiny green fringes on its flower petals look like miniature eyelashes!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Guides

Fen grass of Parnassus has prominent green veins on its white petals that act like landing strips, guiding tiny insects to its sweet nectar!

Ability

Deceptive Decoration

Fen grass of Parnassus has five fringed, comb-like false stamens (staminodes) that may trick insects into visiting for pollen or nectar.

Ability

Staggered Maturation

Fen grass of Parnassus can prevent self-pollination by maturing its male parts before its female parts, encouraging cross-pollination.

Measurements & details

Height
15-45 cm
Spread
10-25 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to Fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is fen grass of Parnassus?

15-45 cm

How wide does fen grass of Parnassus spread?

10-25 cm

How big are the flowers on fen grass of Parnassus?

2-3 cm

When does fen grass of Parnassus bloom?

Summer to Fall

Is fen grass of Parnassus edible?

No

Is fen grass of Parnassus toxic?

None

What is fen grass of Parnassus's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is fen grass of Parnassus pollinated?

Insect

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