Family: Celastraceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Autik. Bot.: 42 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Parnassia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & NE. U.S.A.
Description
Fen grass of parnassus, scientifically named Parnassia glauca, is a captivating perennial plant native to the cool, moist environments of Canada and the northeastern United States. This plant belongs to the Celastraceae family, celebrated for its distinctive traits that set it apart in the botanical world.
Parnassia glauca thrives in fen ecosystems, which are rich in organic material and have slow-moving or stable water sources. These habitats provide the ideal conditions for its growth, allowing it to flourish in the regions from Eastern and Central Canada down to the northeastern parts of the United States. The beauty and resilience of fen grass of parnassus make it a notable species in these locales.
This perennial herb is characterized by its delicate, star-shaped white flowers which typically bloom in late summer. Each flower has five petals, adorned with intricate green veins that add a lacy elegance to its appearance. The central yellow ovary and the surrounding pseudo-staminodes—sterile structures resembling stamens—give the flower a unique and intricate look, attracting various pollinators.
The foliage of Parnassia glauca consists of basal leaves which are kidney-shaped and possess long petioles. These leaves form a rosette at the base from which the flowering stems arise. The linear arrangement and subtle bluish tint of the leaves are distinguishing features that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Fen grass of parnassus not only decorates natural landscapes with its beauty but also holds ecological significance. It plays a role in the biodiversity of fen habitats, contributing to the complex web of life in these ecosystems. This plant has been acknowledged in botanical literature since 1840, as noted by the botanist Rafinesque, who gave it a precise description in his work.
In summary, the fen grass of parnassus is a perennial emblem of the unique and lush fen ecosystems across its native range. Its striking floral display, intriguing structural features, and environmental importance make it a subject of continuous interest and admiration in the world of botany.
Common Names
Eng: fen grass of parnassus, fen grass-of-parnassus, american grass-of-parnassus, blue-green grass-of-parnassus, glaucous grass-of-parnassus
Fra: parnassie à feuilles glauques, parnassie glauque
En: Fen grass of Parnassus, Fen Grass-of-Parnassus, American grass-of-Parnassus, Blue-green grass-of-Parnassus, Glaucous grass-of-Parnassus
Fr: Parnassie à feuilles glauques, Parnassie glauque
: Fen grass of parnassus
Synonyms
- Parnassia rotundifolia (Raf.)
- Parnassia repanda (Raf.)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 19, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 27, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2014 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Liz Meeks (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Liz Meeks (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 19, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 4, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032583)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:792089-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Parnassia glauca Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
